Guest guest Posted November 29, 2001 Report Share Posted November 29, 2001 on 11/29/01 2:36 PM, Margo Power at powermargo@... scrawled: A Z-Tracked shotas described before, is not exactly accurate... The 'Z' is NOT a pattern made on the skin that the administer or medication attempts to draw, but rather a discription of what a person should attempt to do to the TRACK that the needle creates when going through the various tissues. Most medications that are irritating cause that irritation when they come in contact with the subcutanious tissues (for the most part). A Z-Trach is done by locating the proper site for the injection and then using a hand (the non-dominant hand) to move the upper tissue aside and make it very tight across the muscle site. The injection is then given into the muscle and when the needle is removed and the skin is let go, the Needle TRACK (from the outside into the muscle) is broken in a 'Z' pattern (I viewed in a cross-section), thereby sealing the medication into the muscle and not leaving a pathway back to the dermis (where is causes irritation)... Or, as described in your better nursing classes and inservice programs: Administration of Medications via the Z-track Technique DO: Do gather the appropriate equipment and check the medication order. Do explain the procedure to your patient. Do wash and dry your hands, then draw up the medication. Do change the needle Do provide privacy. Do choose an appropriate injection site, such as the ventrogluteal, dorsogluteal, or vastus lateralis site. Do use a new needle that's at least 1 1/2 inches (3.75 cm) long to the syringe. A long needle can pass through the fatty layer and subcutaneous tissue into muscle. Do wear gloves. DO NOT: Do not inject into a tender area or an area with lumps or nodules. Do not inject the solution quickly or remove the needle slowly. Do not massage the site, which could force the medication into the needle track and irritate the tissue. PROCEDURE: To form the Z track at the injection site, use the ulnar side of your nondominant hand to pull the skin and subcutaneous tissue about 1 inch (2.5 cm) to the side. Hold the skin in this position until you've administered the injection. With your dominant hand, swab the site thoroughly with alcohol, betadyne or appropriate cleanser, applying friction. Allow it to dry completely. Administer the medication by darting the needle into the tissue at a 90-degree angle. Steadying the syringe barrel with your nondominant hand, aspirate for blood. CAUTION: If blood appears, withdraw the needle and discard the syringe and needle; prepare new equipment and start over at another site. If no blood appears, slowly inject the solution, then allow the needle to remain in place for 10 seconds to ensure absorption of the medication. Quickly withdraw the needle and release the displaced tissue in a smooth, gentle and flowing single motion. Apply gentle pressure to the site with a dry sponge. -jimbo, who taught nursing school in a previous life > > , > > I use my thigh as the place to do the injection. > > I use the fingers of one hand to form the z. > > I'm demonstrating on myself right now so hopefully > this will be clearer. > > > I wash my hands then clean the site with an alcohol swab. > > Next I use my thumb and the first two fingers of that one hand. > The two fingers are pulling the muscle tissue in one direction > while the thumb is pushing the tissue forward in the opposite > direction. With my free hand I inject the medication into the > center of this " z " pull out the needle and let go of the " z " . > > All best and hope this helps. > > Margo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 29, 2001 Report Share Posted November 29, 2001 , I use my thigh as the place to do the injection. I use the fingers of one hand to form the z. I'm demonstrating on myself right now so hopefully this will be clearer. I wash my hands then clean the site with an alcohol swab. Next I use my thumb and the first two fingers of that one hand. The two fingers are pulling the muscle tissue in one direction while the thumb is pushing the tissue forward in the opposite direction. With my free hand I inject the medication into the center of this " z " pull out the needle and let go of the " z " . All best and hope this helps. Margo -- Thanks! Margo Power Proximal RNY 3/30/00 304 top weight 282 surg day Now 184. Down 120 lbs. (5'3 " ) Wearing sizes 14/16 and 18/20's now This is down from 30/32 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 29, 2001 Report Share Posted November 29, 2001 ****Do not inject into a tender area or an area with lumps or nodules.***** Oh Heavens!!! I hope I never have to do this. My body is NOTHING BUT lumps!!!! Sheesh. Debbie in Gig Harbor Dr. Weber for Original RNY (1/22/1999) and Revision (2/16/2001)transected stomach starting weight 320 lowest weight 200 current weight 213 (down from 267before revision) original by-pass 70cm revision to 170cm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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