A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection of an irritating medication using the Z-track technique. Which action should the nurse perform to ensure the injection is administered correctly?

A. Pull the skin laterally with the non-injecting hand and maintain this position until the needle is withdrawn slowly, and release the skin slowly: The Z-track technique displaces subcutaneous tissue to create a zigzag path, preventing medication from leaking into subcutaneous tissue. Maintaining lateral tension during injection and slow withdrawal ensures proper deposition and minimizes tissue irritation.

B. Pull the skin taut with the forefinger and thumb of the non-dominant hand before needle insertion: Pulling the skin taut is not part of the Z-track method and does not create the necessary tissue displacement. This technique is more appropriate for standard intramuscular injections without irritant medications.

C. Release the displaced skin quickly before removing the needle to minimize skin trauma: Releasing the skin before needle withdrawal would allow medication to track back into subcutaneous tissue, increasing irritation and tissue staining. Maintaining tension until withdrawal is critical.

D. Massage the injection site vigorously after needle withdrawal to disperse the medication and reduce pain: Massaging an irritant IM injection site can worsen tissue damage, cause staining, and increase discomfort. The Z-track technique is designed to prevent the need for post-injection massage.