The Procedures for Intramuscular Z-Track Injections

Z-track injection is a method of administering an injection using a needle and syringe. The Z-track method is usually used to administer dark-colored medication. This method inserts the medication deep in the muscle, allowing the medication to improve its efficacy past the subcutaneous tissue and skin. This is accomplished by displacing the skin and subcutaneous tissue 1.5 inches before the injection and releasing the tissue once the injection has been administered.

Cleansing and Preparation

• Cleanse and disinfect the hands. Put on medical-grade gloves. Check the medication to avoid any medication errors. Make sure that the medication is not out of date. Take note of the expiration date, strength and the correct dosage.

Dosage

• Draw the correct dosage from the medication. Include 0.3 to 0.5 ml of air into the syringe. Discard any uncapped and used needles in a needle box. Do not reuse a needle. Use a needle that is 2 to 3 inches long to place the medication deep inside the muscle.

Privacy

• Provide privacy to the patient that will receive the Z-track injection. Position the patient on his side with his knees slightly bent to relax the buttocks. The Z-track injection is usually administered on the gluteus maximus. Expose the buttocks, and use the patient's clothing or a blanket to cover any other exposed area.

Injection Site

• Ask patient to take deep breaths and to relax his muscles to avoid muscle resistance. Dart the syringe at a 90-degree angle. Inject the medication slowly over a span of five seconds. Apply pressure to the site, using a gauze if necessary. Do not agitate the injection area. Allow the patient to rest for five minutes, and ask if he wants water. Encourage the patient to move around to allow the medication to absorb readily into the muscle.

Aftercare

• Discard any used materials, including any gauzes, alcohol swabs, gloves and needles used. Wash both hands when the procedure is done. Medication you have administered using the Z-track injection is rapidly absorbed since it is placed inside the muscle. The patient will see effects over the span of a few hours to days, depending on the type of medication you have administered.