Injections Flashcards: Needle Sizes & Gauges

Questions and Answers

What are the characteristics of an intradermal injection?

45-90 degree angle, 0.5 mL to 2 mL

5/8 needle size, 25 - 27 gauge (correct)

Up to 3 mL, 90 degree angle

Less than 1 mL, 5-15 degree angle (correct)

What are the indications for a subcutaneous injection?

5/8 needle size, 25 to 30 gauge, 0.5 mL, 1.0 mL, or 2 mL.

What are the characteristics of an intramuscular injection?

90 degree angle, 1 inch needle for 130-152 lbs, 18 - 25 gauge.

What is the volume range that can be administered subcutaneously?

0.5 - 1 mL Signup and view all the answers

What are the sites for intradermal injection?

Non-hairy skin surfaces of the upper back, high upper chest, inner forearm. Signup and view all the answers

What are the sites for subcutaneous injection?

Upper outer aspect of the arm, abdomen, anterior thighs. Signup and view all the answers

What angle is used for an intradermal injection?

10° - 15° Signup and view all the answers

What angle is used for subcutaneous injections?

45° or 90° depending on patient size. Signup and view all the answers

What angle is used for intramuscular injections?

90° Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum volume that can be injected into the deltoid muscle?

1 mL Signup and view all the answers

What syringe is used for an intradermal injection?

Tuberculin or 1 mL syringe. Signup and view all the answers

What syringe is used for a subcutaneous injection?

1 - 3 mL syringe. Signup and view all the answers

What syringe is used for an intramuscular injection?

1 - 3 mL syringe. Signup and view all the answers

What needle gauge is used for an intradermal injection?

26 - 27 gauge. Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper positioning of the skin for an intradermal injection?

Spread the skin taut. Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper positioning of the skin for a subcutaneous injection?

Grasp the skin between the thumb and index finger of the non-dominant hand. Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper positioning of the skin for an intramuscular injection?

Spread skin taut. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 7 rights of drug administration?

Right medication Signup and view all the answers

Why do you massage the injection site after an IM injection?

To promote absorption of the medication into the muscle. Signup and view all the answers

The dorsogluteal site is recommended for injections.

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Intradermal Injections

Volume: Less than 1 mL
Angle: 5-15 degrees
Needle size: 3/8 inch (can use 5/8)
Gauge: 25 - 27 (common is 27)

Subcutaneous Injections

Angle: 45-90 degrees depending on tissue
Needle size: 5/8 inch (can use 3/8)
Gauge: 25 to 30 (commonly 25)
Volume: Options of 0.5 mL, 1.0 mL, or 2 mL

Intramuscular Injections

Angle: 90 degrees
Needle size: 5/8 inch for under 130 lbs; 1 inch for 130-152 lbs; up to 1.5 inches for larger individuals (use 1 inch for tests)
Gauge: 18 - 25 (common is 22)
Volume: Up to 3 mL
Sites: Deltoid, vastus lateralis, ventrogluteal muscles

Vastus Lateralis in Pediatrics

Age: For infants to 36 months until deltoid is developed
Angle: 90 degrees
Needle size: 5/8 inch
Gauge: 25

Deltoid Muscle Injection

Landmark: Between the acromion process and the axillary line
Volume: Up to 1 mL with a 5/8 to 1 inch needle
Not recommended for infants and toddlers under 3 years

Landmarks for Vastus Lateralis

Reference points: Head of the greater trochanter and the knee
Volume: Up to 3 mL with specified needle gauges
- 18-25 gauge for oil-based/viscous solutions
- 22-27 gauge for aqueous solutions

Preferred Site for Infants

Site: Vastus lateralis
Volume: Up to 1 mL with a 1-inch needle; 0.5 mL for small infants with a 5/8 inch needle

Landmarks for Ventrogluteal Site

Key landmarks: Head of the greater trochanter and the anterior superior iliac spine

Dorsogluteal Site

Caution: DO NOT USE this injection site

Sites for Subcutaneous Injections

Common sites: Upper outer aspect of the arm, abdomen (2 inches from umbilicus), anterior thighs, scapular area, upper ventrodorsal gluteal area

Seven Rights of Drug Administration

Right patient
Right medication
Right dose
Right route of administration
Right time of delivery
Right reason
Right documentation

Volumes for Various Injections

Subcutaneous: 0.5 - 1 mL
Intradermal: 0.1 - 0.2 mL
Intramuscular: 2 - 3 mL

Sites for Intradermal Injections

Areas: Non-hairy skin surfaces of the upper back (over scapulae), high upper chest, inner forearm

Sites for Subcutaneous Injection

Specific areas: Outer aspect of upper arms above triceps, middle two-thirds of anterior thigh, subscapular area of upper back, upper dorsogluteal and ventrogluteal areas, abdominal area (1.5 - 2 inches out from umbilicus)

Sites for Intramuscular Injections

Common sites: Ventrogluteal, deltoid, dorsogluteal, vastus lateralis

Injection Angles

Intradermal: 10° - 15°
Subcutaneous: 45° or 90° depending on patient size
Intramuscular: 90°

Aspiration Requirement

Intramuscular (IM) injections require aspiration

Purpose of Massaging IM Injection Site

Promotes absorption of medication into the muscle

Maximum Volume for Deltoid Muscle Injection

Up to 1 mL

Positioning for Injections

Intradermal: Spread skin taut
Subcutaneous: Grasp skin between thumb and index finger
Intramuscular: Spread skin taut

Syringes Used for Injections

Intradermal: Tuberculin or 1 mL syringe
Subcutaneous: 1 - 3 mL syringe
Intramuscular: 1 - 3 mL syringe

Needle Specifications for Intradermal Injection

Use: 26 - 27 gauge, 3/8 - 5/8 inch needle

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on needle gauges and sizes for different injection methods. This quiz covers intradermal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular injections, focusing on volume, angle, and appropriate needle specifications. Perfect for nursing students and medical professionals.