Injections Flashcards: Needle Sizes & Gauges

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

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.