Subcutaneous Injection PDF

Subcutaneous injection By Teaching staff  Intended Learning outcomes General objective: At the end of the practical training, students will be able to apply subcutaneous injections  Table of contents Definition Sites of SC injections Equipment Procedure ...

Subcutaneous injection By Teaching staff  Intended Learning outcomes General objective: At the end of the practical training, students will be able to apply subcutaneous injections  Table of contents Definition Sites of SC injections Equipment Procedure  Definition Subcutaneous (SC) injections are administered into the adipose tissue layer just below the epidermis and dermis. This tissue has few blood vessels, so drugs administered by this route have a slow, sustained rate of absorption.  Most uses in…..  Insulin and heparin are considered high-risk medications, and special care must be taken to ensure the correct amount of medication and type.  The longest absorption time of all parenteral routes. 31-Oct-24 5  Purpose To get rapid and systemic effect of the drug. Some medicines that cannot be administered orally due to…..  Poor absorption in gastrointestinal tract.  Toxicity of the medication  Sites of SC injections include :  Abdomen: at or under the level of the belly button, about two inches away from the navel  Arm: back or side of the upper arm  Thigh: front of the thigh  upper back, and upper ventral gluteal area  Equipment Syringe with appropriate size. 2 drawing up needles Injection needle with appropriate size. Antiseptic or alcohol swabs Small gauze pad Medication ampule or vial Medication administration record (MAR) Disposable gloves Puncture-resistant container (safety box)  Procedure ACTION RATIONALE 1. Check doctor order and medication card. 2. Wash hands and put on clean gloves. - Reduces number of microorganisms 3. Prepare the equipment -To save time and effort 4. Withdraw medications from an ampoule -To prepare correct medication or a vial as per agency policy. safely before using 5. Identify the client and explain the procedure Ensures medication is given to right client gain cooperation and reduce fear 6. Close door or curtains around bed, and keep gown or sheet - Provides privacy draped over client.  Procedure ACTION RATIONALE 6. Select injection site. Injection site should be free of lesions. Inspect skin for bruises, inflammation, edema, masses, tenderness, and sites of previous injections and avoid these areas. Repeated daily injections should be rotated. Avoids injury to underlying nerves,bones, Use subcutaneous tissue around the and blood vessels abdomen, lateral aspects of upper arm or thigh, or scapular area.  Procedure ACTION RATIONALE 7. Assist client into a comfortable appropriate - Relaxation minimizes discomfort. position as required. - Distraction reduces anxiety. 8. Use antiseptic swab - Circular motion and mechanical action to clean skin at site. of swab remove microorganisms. 9. While holding swab between - Swab remains accessible during fingers of non- dominant hand, procedure. pull cap from needle  Procedure ACTION RATIONALE 10. Administer injection: Quick, smooth injection is easier with proper Hold syringe upright (with the needle position of syringe. on top) between thumb and forefinger of dominant hand like a pencil. Needle penetrates tight skin easier than loose Pinch skin with non-dominant hand skin. Pinching skin elevates subcutaneous tissue Inject needle quickly and firmly at a 45to 90 angle. Quick, firm injection minimizes discomfort. Release the skin. Grasp the lower end of the syringe Angle depends on amount of subcutaneous tissue with non- dominant hand, and present and the site used. position dominant hand to the end of the plunger. Do not move the syringe Movement of syringe may cause discomfort. Procedure  Procedure ACTION RATIONALE 11. Remove hand from injection site and Supporting tissue around injection site quickly withdraw the needle. minimizes discomfort. Removing hand before withdrawing needle reduces chance of needle stick. 12. Apply pressure with the antiseptic swab. Do not push down on the needle with the swab while withdrawing it, as this will cause more pain. (Some medications should not be massaged). 13. Assist the client to a comfortable Promotes comfort position  Procedure ACTION RATIONALE 14. Discard the uncapped needle Decreases risk of accidental needle stick and syringe in a disposable needle receptacle. 15. Remove gloves; wash hands. -Reduces transmission of microorganisms 16. Documentation  Questions A patient is prescribed a subcutaneous injection every day. What factors should the nurse consider when selecting the injection site? a. Choose the same site for each injection to maintain consistency b. Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy c. Administer the injection only in the abdominal area d. Use a longer needle to ensure proper absorption 31-Oct-24 18  Questions When administering a subcutaneous injection to an obese patient, what technique should the nurse employ to ensure proper medication delivery? a. Use a longer needle to reach the muscle layer b. Pinch the skin and administer the injection at a 90-degree angle c. Administer the injection at a 90-degree angle without pinching the skin d. Choose the deltoid muscle for faster absorption 19