Types of Injections and Injection Indications Quiz

Types of Injections

• There are four types of injections: Intramuscular, Subcutaneous, Intradermal, and Intravenous.

Intramuscular Injections

• Indications for IM injections: when rapid response is required, dysphagia, profound vomiting, and no availability for oral preparation.
• Common sites for IM injections: Mid Deltoid, Dorsalgluteal, Rectus femoris, and Vastus lateralis.
• Amount of injection for IM: up to 5 mL in the buttocks, and up to 1 mL in the deltoid.
• Equipment needed: sterile syringe, drug, alcohol swab, non-sterile gloves, and Band-Aid.
• Technique involves identifying the patient, explaining the procedure, and taking permission, among other steps.
• Complications of IM injections: pain, injury to the sciatic nerve, tissue necrosis and abscess, hemorrhage, and infection.

Subcutaneous Injections

• Volume usually less than 0.5 mL.
• Administered through a ½ inch, 23- or 25-gauge needle.
• Indications are the same as IM injections.
• Best and most commonly used for regular injections of Insulin for Insulin-dependent diabetic patients.
• Sites for Subcutaneous Injections: abdomen, arms, and thighs.
• Technique involves elevating subcutaneous tissue, removing the needle cap, and inserting the needle at a 45- or 90-degree angle.
• Complications of Subcutaneous Injections: pain, infection, and allergic reaction.

Intradermal Injections

• Small amounts are injected into the layers of skin.
• Often used to test for allergic reaction and antibody formation.
• Usual site: anterior forearm.
• Angle of insertion: almost parallel to skin (10o-15o).
• Technique involves rubbing the injection site vigorously with a swab, inserting the needle parallel with the forearm, and releasing the solution into the skin layers.

Comparison of Angles

• Intramuscular injection: 72o-90o angle.
• Subcutaneous injection: 45o or up to 90o angle if fat layer is thick and the needle is short.
• Intradermal injection: 10o-15o angle.