A practical nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection of iron dextran to a client with iron-deficiency anemia using the Z-track method. Arrange the following steps of the administration procedure in the correct chronological sequence.
- 1Pull the overlying skin and subcutaneous tissue laterally 1 to 1.5 inches.
- 2Insert the needle smoothly and swiftly at a 90-degree angle.
- 3Inject the medication slowly and steadily into the muscle.
- 4Wait 10 seconds before removing the needle.
- 5Withdraw the needle and immediately release the retracted skin.
Answer
The correct sequence is: pull the skin laterally, insert the needle at a 90-degree angle, inject the medication slowly, wait 10 seconds, and finally withdraw the needle while simultaneously releasing the retracted skin.
The Z-track method is essential for medications that cause tissue irritation or staining. The procedure begins by pulling the skin laterally to displace the tissue planes. While holding the skin in this position, the needle is inserted at a 90-degree angle and the medication is injected slowly. The nurse then waits 10 seconds to allow the medication to disperse within the muscle. Finally, the needle is withdrawn and the skin is released simultaneously, creating a zig-zag path that effectively seals the medication within the muscle belly.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The Z-track method is an intramuscular injection technique designed to prevent irritating or staining medications from leaking back into the subcutaneous tissue.