IM injections

Question 1

How do you initiate the procedure?

Answer 1

1. introduce/identify/explain/ allergies/wash hands - “we’re going to be giving you an injection of medication into your buttock using a needle and syringe, we’re doing this to help with the nausea you’ve been having. It is possible that this might be a little bit painful but shouldn’t be too much. Does that sound okay?”
2. don apron and gloves

Question 2

How do you prepare the drug and equipment?

Answer 2

1. equipment - receptacle, blue clinell, drug (saline), appropriate syringe, 2x hypodermic needles - blue, cotton wool, sharps bin
2. check name, dose, route and date of drug and compare to patient chart
3. draw up 1ml saline using one hypo (dont touch ampule), discard and apply new sheathed needle (21/23g)
4. remove gloves
5. take sharps bin to bedside

Question 3

How do you perform the procedure?

Answer 3

1. identify site for injection - raise bed to comfortable height and ensure rails are raised, get patient to turn to lateral position, upper outer quadrant (to avoid sciatic nerve)
2. check area for contraindications, clean skin and allow to dry for 30s
3. stretch skin around injection site with thumb and forefinger
4. insert needle at 90 degrees to skin surface
5. leave third of needle visible
6. check needle not in blood vessel by pulling back slightly
7. inject medication slowly (1ml/5-10s), check patient is okay
8. remove needle and apply pressure at site with cotton wool
9. dispose of sharp

Question 4

How do you conclude the procedure?

Answer 4

1. sign prescription chart at patients bedside to state drug has been given
2. check welfare, observe for signs of ADR