Final answer:
During a Z-track injection, the needle is usually kept inserted for approximately 10 seconds after the medication has been injected to ensure proper distribution and to minimize leakage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question How long is the needle kept inserted during a Z-track injection is related to nursing practices, specifically the administration of intramuscular injections. The Z-track method is a technique designed to prevent medication from leaking back into the subcutaneous tissue. For a Z-track injection, the needle is typically kept inserted for about 10 seconds after the medication has been delivered.
This allows for the medication to disperse into the muscle tissue and helps to seal the medication in the muscle, reducing the possibility of leakage into subcutaneous tissue and minimizing irritation. It's also recommended to wait for a few seconds before withdrawing the needle to allow the muscle tissue to close off the track, which further helps to prevent the medication from leaking.