Z track method

Specialties Med-Surg

Published

:nurse: I just read in July Nursing 2005 magazine that all adult Im injections should be given Z Track. What meds do you give Z Track? Explain how to give a Z Track--please.
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Specializes in OB, ortho/neuro, home care, office.

Z track is generally used for Vitamin K and other shots that may discolor the skin. It is where you pull some skin off to the side, give the injection into deep tissue and allow the upper skin to go back over the site. It keeps the discoloration down.

Hope this helps

Jen

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

Thanks for the explanation Jen. :)

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I read a while back to use the z-track method for all IM shots because it's more comfortable and less painful.

Sorry it's been so long I don't have a source. It's easier for me to use the z-track method on all IM injections rather than remember which meds require it.

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I read a while back to use the z-track method for all IM shots because it's more comfortable and less painful.

Sorry it's been so long I don't have a source. It's easier for me to use the z-track method on all IM injections rather than remember which meds require it.

Are there any contraindications (meds or physical attributes) for Z-track? I've never heard of any, but it's been a while since I've read up on it.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.
Are there any contraindications (meds or physical attributes) for Z-track? I've never heard of any, but it's been a while since I've read up on it.

That's a good question. Like you it's been a while too, but I haven't heard.

Maybe a recent grad can answer this for us older folks. :)

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z track not only keeps meds from discoloring skin. it keeps meds in the muscle so that they don't irritate sub-q tissue

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Specializes in NICU.
z track not only keeps meds from discoloring skin. it keeps meds in the muscle so that they don't irritate sub-q tissue

Yep, I gave one today. My clinical instructor explained that the benefit is that the medication is less likely to leak back out decreasing the incidence of irritation.

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it doesn't do any harm to z track an IM that doesn't need to be, so i just z track them all so i don't have to remember which ones i have to.

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We learned about ztrack method in school. It supposedly is less risky to the sq tissue because the med is less likely to leak out after injection. I don't think that it makes much diff with pain or bruising? I try it with heparin and lovenox when I have the time!:idea:

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Specializes in ACNP-BC.

Can someone explain how you go about using the Z track method in that large muscle in the hip/butt area? Thanks!

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Specializes in Internal Medicine Unit.
I try it with heparin and lovenox when I have the time!:idea:

Really? Hmmm...could of sworn those were SC injections...

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