Z-track technique for needle insertion during paracentesis

A: Relative locations where the needle will enter the skin and the peritoneal cavity.
B: The skin is pulled down, and the needle is then advanced in 5 mm increments, pulling the plunger back a few millimeters with each advancement to see if any blood or ascitic fluid is aspirated.
C: The skin is released, returning the skin and peritoneal cavity entry sites to their original positions.