A nurse is discussing the Z-track administration of hydroxyzine with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements indicates the newly licensed nurse understands the purpose of the technique?

Choice A reason: Preventing injury to the sciatic nerve is achieved by proper site selection for intramuscular injections, such as using the ventrogluteal site. The Z-track method does not specifically prevent nerve injury. Choice B reason: The Z-track technique involves pulling the skin laterally before inserting the needle, then releasing it after injection. This creates a zigzag path that seals the medication in the muscle tissue, preventing leakage into subcutaneous tissue. This decreases the risk of subcutaneous infiltration and irritation, which is the primary purpose of the technique. Choice C reason: The Z-track method does not increase the volume of medication that can be injected. The maximum volume depends on the muscle site chosen, not the injection technique. Choice D reason: The Z-track technique does not increase absorption rate. Absorption depends on the medication’s properties and the vascularity of the muscle site. The technique is used to prevent leakage and irritation, not to alter absorption.