Subcutaneous Injection Quiz: Medication Administration Practice

What gauge needle should be used for subcutaneous administration of medication?

What should be done if blood is aspirated when administering medication subcutaneously?

At what angle should the needle be inserted for subcutaneous administration of medication?

What should be done after removing the needle following subcutaneous medication administration?

What is one of the key steps to ensure safe subcutaneous medication administration?

What is the purpose of pinching the skin before inserting the needle for subcutaneous administration?

Why is it important to monitor for patient response after subcutaneous medication administration?

What action should be taken if the drawn-up medication amount is incorrect?

Subcutaneous Administration of Medication

For subcutaneous administration of medication, a 25-30 gauge needle should be used.
If blood is aspirated when administering medication subcutaneously, the needle should be withdrawn and the process restarted with a new needle.
The needle should be inserted at a 45- to 90-degree angle for subcutaneous administration of medication.
After removing the needle following subcutaneous medication administration, pressure should be applied to the site with a dry gauze for a few seconds.
One of the key steps to ensure safe subcutaneous medication administration is to verify the correct medication, dose, and patient.
Pinching the skin before inserting the needle for subcutaneous administration helps to lift the skin away from underlying tissue, reducing the risk of injecting into a muscle or vessel.
It is important to monitor for patient response after subcutaneous medication administration to ensure the medication is effective and not causing any adverse reactions.
If the drawn-up medication amount is incorrect, the healthcare professional should discard the medication and redraw the correct dose.

Learn about administering medication via the subcutaneous route, including gathering supplies, proper dosage, and patient communication. Understand the procedure for cleansing the injection site and ensuring the five rights of medication administration are followed.