RN Exam Practice
Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 362 of 2368

A nurse uses the Z-track method for an intramuscular injection. What is the purpose?

  1. To speed absorption of the medication into the bloodstream
  2. To avoid the need to hold the syringe steady while injecting
  3. To keep the medication from leaking into the subcutaneous tissue
  4. To allow a larger volume of medication at a single site
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Correct answer: To keep the medication from leaking into the subcutaneous tissue

The zigzag path seals the medication in the muscle and can reduce irritation.

Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Administration of Parenteral Medications: Z-track Method for IM injections. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026