The following statement is true about the Z-track method of injection?

Appeared in: ISRO- 2016

Explanation

The primary purpose of the Z-track method is to prevent the leakage of medication from the muscle into the subcutaneous tissue.
This is achieved by displacing the skin and subcutaneous tissue laterally before the injection.
When the skin is released after the injection, a zigzag or 'Z' shaped path is created, which effectively seals the medication within the muscle.
This technique is crucial for administering medications that are irritating, staining, or oily, as it minimizes local side effects.

Option A: No injection is completely painless. While this method can reduce the irritation and subsequent pain from certain medications, the procedure itself involves a needle stick which causes discomfort.
Option C: The Z-track method involves an extra step of displacing the skin, which requires more skill and coordination than a standard intramuscular injection. Therefore, it is considered a more complex technique.
Option D: The Z-track method is a technique specifically for intramuscular (IM) injections, which are administered at a 90-degree angle deep into the muscle. Intradermal injections are administered into the dermis at a 10-15 degree angle.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Z-track intramuscular injection technique as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The Z-track method is a critical nursing skill for ensuring patient safety and comfort, especially when administering irritating medications like iron dextran or haloperidol.
Proper execution prevents skin staining, inflammation, and pain at the injection site, improving the patient's experience and adherence to treatment.
What if? If a nurse massages the site after a Z-track injection, it can disrupt the sealed track and force the medication into the subcutaneous tissue. This would negate the benefit of the technique and could cause the very irritation, staining, or pain the method is designed to prevent.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the 'Z-track method' of injection.
Recall the definition and primary purpose of this specific technique. The name 'Z-track' itself is a mnemonic for the zigzag path created to seal in medication.
Evaluate each option against your knowledge of the technique.
Option A ('Painless') is an absolute claim; injections are rarely completely painless.
Option C ('Easy to administer') is unlikely for a specialized technique with extra steps.
Option D ('A type of intradermal injection') is a classification error. Z-track is used for IM, not ID injections.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QjlZu8iRvxR0kN4-JWGlZ6

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 pp. 174-176, 203-205

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 862-864

Practise the full ISRO- 2016

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.