The healthcare provider has ordered an intramuscular (IM) injection for pain. The nurse researches the medication and learns that it is irritating to tissues. Which intervention should the nurse perform in light of this information?
a. Administer the medication at a 45° angle.
b. Administer the medication using the Z-track method.
c. Aspirate for blood for 5-10 seconds.
d. Select the deltoid muscle for the injection.