z-track technique

hi... question...

can someone please describe the z-track injection technique?

[AndyLyn]

OK... thinking back to school... isn't it where you give an IM by moving skin and underlying tissue one direction, giving the injection, withdrawing the needle and releasing? Doesn't it supposedly keep the fluid from leaking back out? Feel free to correct me...

[moonchild20002000]

Its been YEARS since I used that technique....

Andy you have it right......it is usually a little easier if one nurse moves the skin and the other nurse does the injection. It can be done alone but requires a little practice.

Barb what meds are being z-tracked now?

[happystudent, RN]

iron is z-tracked because it causes staining on the skin...........

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Used it quite a lot ===especially if elderly and minimal fat to prevent drug leakage.

Great slide show with IM and Z trach technique demonstrated:

http://www.breastcancerprofessional.com/contents/public/onc/nursing.pdf