A nurse is preparing to administer parenteral iron dextran to a school-age child. Which of the following administration methods should the nurse plan to use?

Choice A reason: Administering iron dextran subcutaneously into the vastus lateralis is not the recommended route for this medication. It is typically administered intramuscularly. Choice B reason: Correct. The preferred method for administering iron dextran is intramuscularly using the Z-track method. This technique helps prevent leakage of the medication into the subcutaneous tissue. Choice C reason: Administering iron dextran subcutaneously into the deltoid is not the preferred route for this medication. It is typically administered intramuscularly. Choice D reason: While a 20-gauge needle may be appropriate for intramuscular injections, the Z-track method is the preferred technique for administering iron dextran intramuscularly. The gauge of the needle may vary depending on the specific circumstances and patient characteristics.