A practical nurse is administering a prescribed dose of intramuscular iron dextran to a client with severe iron deficiency anemia. To prevent tissue irritation and staining, the nurse utilizes the Z-track method. Arrange the following actions in the correct chronological sequence for this procedure.
- 1Pull the overlying skin and subcutaneous tissue laterally approximately 1 to 1.5 inches.
- 2Insert the needle firmly at a 90-degree angle into the ventrogluteal muscle.
- 3Depress the plunger slowly to inject the medication into the muscle.
- 4Keep the needle in place for 10 seconds after the medication is fully injected.
- 5Withdraw the needle smoothly and immediately release the displaced skin.
Answer
The correct sequence is to pull the skin laterally, insert the needle at a 90-degree angle, inject the medication slowly, leave the needle in place for 10 seconds, and finally withdraw the needle while releasing the skin.
The Z-track method is explicitly designed to prevent dark-colored or highly irritating medications, such as iron dextran, from leaking into the subcutaneous tissue and causing permanent skin staining or irritation. By displacing the skin prior to insertion, the needle track through the subcutaneous tissue and the muscle layer become misaligned once the skin is released, sealing the medication within the muscle.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Z-track Intramuscular Injection Technique
Estimated Time:1m 30s