A patient is to receive a medication that is irritating to muscle tissue.The most appropriate injection technique involves which of the following?

A) Z-track technique of injection
B) Subcutaneous technique of injection
C) Use of the vastus lateralis in adults
D) Use of the deltoid muscle in children less than 12 months old

It is recommended that you use the Z-track injection method when giving IM injections to minimize irritation by sealing the medication in muscle tissue.You only give small subcutaneous doses (0.5 to 1.5 mL)of water-soluble medications to adults because subcutaneous tissue is sensitive to irritating solutions and large volumes of medications.You may use the vastus lateralis in children less than 12 months and the deltoid in patients older than 12 months.