A nurse is preparing to administer an injection to a patient. Which statement made by the patient is an indication for the nurse to use the Z-track method?

A) "I am allergic to many medications."
B) "I'm really afraid that a big needle will hurt."
C) "The last shot like that turned my skin colors."
D) "My legs are too obese for the needle to go through."

The Z-track is indicated when the medication being administered has the potential to irritate sensitive tissues. It is recommended that, when administering IM injections, the Z-track method be used to minimize local skin irritation by sealing the medication in muscle tissue. The Z-track method is not meant to reduce discomfort from the procedure. If a patient is allergic to a medication, it should not be administered. If a patient has additional subcutaneous tissue to go through, a needle of a different size may be selected.