A practical nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection of iron dextran to an adult client diagnosed with severe iron deficiency anemia (hemoglobin 7.2 g/dL). To prevent medication leakage and permanent skin staining, the nurse must use the Z-track method. Arrange the following steps of the Z-track administration technique in the correct chronological order.
- 1Change the needle on the syringe after drawing up the prescribed dose of iron dextran.
- 2Use the non-dominant hand to pull the skin and subcutaneous tissue 1 to 1.5 inches laterally from the injection site.
- 3Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle and push the plunger slowly to administer the medication.
- 4Leave the needle inserted in the muscle for 10 seconds after the medication is completely injected.
- 5Withdraw the needle smoothly and immediately release the taut skin.
Answer
The correct sequence for the Z-track method is to first change the needle, then displace the skin laterally, insert the needle and inject slowly, wait 10 seconds, and finally withdraw the needle while immediately releasing the skin.
The Z-track method is a specialized intramuscular injection technique designed to prevent leakage of irritating or staining medications into the subcutaneous tissue. The correct sequence ensures a clean needle enters the skin, the superficial tissues are displaced to create a staggered track, the medication is deposited and given time to disperse in the muscle, and finally, the track is permanently sealed by releasing the skin simultaneously as the needle is withdrawn.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Pharmacological Therapies