Drug Route & Sites Of Medication Administration

Question 1

Intradermal (Skin) :

Answer 1

Sites:
Preferred Areas are lightly pigmented, free of lesions, and hairless, such as the ventral mid-forearm, clavical area of the chest, or scapula area of the back.

Question 2

Subcutaneous (subcut)-

Answer 2

Sites-
Locations are chosen for adequate fat pad size.(Fatty, adipose tissue)

Common sores/areas of the upper outer aspect of the arms, the abdomen, at least two inches from the umbilicus, and the anterior thighs.

Sites should be rotated with subcut injections such as with insulin and heparin.

Question 3

Intramuscular(IM)-

Answer 3

Administered at 90 degree angle.

Sites:
Locations are chosen for adequate muscle size and minimal major nerves and blood vessels to the area.

-ventrogluteal- iliac crest. Preferred site for most injections given to both adults and children m

-Deltoid-placd needle 90 degree angle to the skin
Site is not used in infants and children due to undeveloped deltoid muscles.

Muscle is easy to find but not well developed in most adults.

Vastus lateralis-a good site for multiple injections.

• frequently used in infants less than 12 months and in older children and toddlers receiving immunizations.

Z-track injection technique -is recommended when administering IM injections to help minimize local skin irritation by dealing the medication in the muscle tissue. The ventrogluteal site is preferred.

Question 4

Intravenous (IV)-

Answer 4

Sites:
Accessible peripheral veins are preferred (ex: cephalic or cubital vein of arm, dorsal vein of hand.

I newborns: veins of feet, lower legs, and head may be used after all other sites have been exhausted.

Question 5

Parenteral medications:

Answer 5

Sites:
The ventrogluteal site is preferred for IM injections in adults and children including infants of any age.

The vastus lateralis is the preferred site for immunizations for infants less than 12 months and for toddlers who can’t walk on their own yet