UWI School of Nursing Subcutaneous Injection Checklist Quiz

Administration of Medication - Subcutaneous Injection Checklist

• Wear gloves (if indicated) and identify appropriate administration site.
• Assist patient to a comfortable position and clean the area with an alcohol swab.
• Remove needle cap, expel air bubbles (if necessary), and pinch the selected area with non-dominant hand.
• Inject the needle at a 45o-to-90o angle and release the tissue slowly.
• Withdraw the needle quickly at the same angle it was inserted and apply gentle pressure with a dry cotton swab.

Pre-Administration Procedures

• Ensure the drug is prescribed and wash hands.
• Prepare necessary equipment and check the patient's chart for allergies and medication orders.
• Identify the patient and perform hand hygiene.
• Select the correct medication from stock and check it against the kardex.

Medication Preparation and Checks

• Perform the FIRST CHECK: check the label of the medication container against the kardex, including the expiry date.
• Perform the Second Check: check the medication against the kardex and perform drug calculation (Right Dose).
• Withdraw medication from an ampoule or vial, expel air bubbles (if necessary), and change the needle to an appropriate size and length.
• Recheck the label and medication(s) with the medication administration kardex (Third Check).

Patient Education and Recording

• Educate the patient about the action of the drug and what to expect.
• Record and document the administration of the medication in the kardex and patient's chart.
• Evaluate the patient's response to the medication within an appropriate time frame.