The nurse holds the gauze pledget against an IM injection site while removing the needle from the muscle. This technique helps to: 1. Seal off the track left by the needle in the tissue. 2. Speed the...

The nurse holds the gauze pledget against an IM injection site while removing the needle from the muscle. This technique helps to:

1. Seal off the track left by the needle in the tissue.

2. Speed the spread of the medication in the tissue.

3. Avoid the discomfort of the needle pulling on the skin.

4. Prevent organisms from entering the body through the skin puncture.