Z track method

[Toothbrushx2]

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.

[PamRNC]

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

They are. Z track is to avoid the subcutaneous tissue and keep the med locked in. With Lovenox and Heparin we want to get the med into the subcutaneous tissue and avoid the muscle. That's why we bunch up the skin "pinch an inch" and use a 25gauge, 5/8ths inch needle before giving the subcutaneous shot.

[ER1010]

but heparin and lovenox aren't IM...?

[veegeern, BSN, RN]

but heparin and lovenox aren't IM...?

No. Heparin and lovenox can cause bleeding and tissue damage if given in the muscle. Check your drug book. Mine states, "Never give drug I.M."

(not appropriate format)

Nursgin 2004 Drug Handbook 24th Edition, Springhouse, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, pg. 900.

[Darlene K.]

I try it with heparin and lovenox when I have the time!

these are sub q medications!

[Thunderwolf, MSN, RN]

Heparin and Lovenox are given SC.

Please review the literature.

[blueyesue]

Here is a video demonstration for the Z track technique. (You need RealPlayer) Hope this helps.

http://164.107.27.156/ramgen/media/medvids/intramuscular_injection_-_dorsogluteal_site_z-track_technique.rm

[Toothbrushx2]

Here is a video demonstration for the Z track technique. (You need RealPlayer) Hope this helps.

http://164.107.27.156/ramgen/media/medvids/intramuscular_injection_-_dorsogluteal_site_z-track_technique.rm

Thanks you EJM !!!:balloons:

[CrabbyPatty]

I viewed the video posted above.

Our instructor never mentioned that Z-track was only for Dorsogluteal. In fact, we're told not to use Dorsogluteal at all.

Any thoughts?

[SanskeetRN]

Interesting that this subject came up as we just went over this material in class this past weekend and left some of us rather confused also.

We had received a hand out from Nursing Made Easy that said to use Z-Track on all IM injections. Our instructor had crossed out deltoid on the sheet, said don't use it for deltoid injections and it stated on the handout to use ventrogluteal and our instructor said, no don't use ventrogluteal, only dorsoglueteal (at this point I'm wondering "Why did you even give us this handout then! " Maybe they just want to confuse us for the test

Anyway, the handout said the injections with Z-track were less painful than regular IM and reduces leakage into the SubQ. You are then to administer the med over 10 sec. an wait ten sec. after completing the administration to remove the needle. Our instructor said to use it whenever administering Imferon. Also to add 0.5 cc of air to syringe before injecting to assist with the air lock.

Hope this helps!