What does the Z-track technique help to avoid during intramuscular injections?

The Z-track technique is specifically designed to prevent the leakage of medication into the subcutaneous tissue during intramuscular injections. This method enhances the sealing of the medication in the muscle by creating a zig-zag path through the tissue layers. When the skin is pulled laterally during the injection and released after the needle is withdrawn, it helps ensure that the medication is properly deposited into the muscle rather than escaping into the surrounding subcutaneous tissue.

This technique is particularly useful for medications that can cause irritation or staining of the tissues if they leak out. Therefore, the primary advantage of the Z-track method lies in its ability to keep the medication contained within the muscle, reducing the risk of adverse effects associated with improper administration.