Injections

Question 1

What are the reasons to give a patient an injection?

Answer 1

• Faster action
• Less risk of vomiting
• Small doses of powerful drugs can be given
• Some drugs are inactive if taken orally
• Placebo effect: seen as stronger and more effective

Question 2

Can an injected medication be retrieved?

Answer 2

No

Question 3

What are the types of injections and the sites used?

Answer 3

INTRAMUSCULAR
INTRAVENOUS
SUBCUTANEOUS
INTRADERMAL

Question 4

Describe IM injections

Answer 4

Muscles have a good supply of blood so the drug will absorb well
Avoid nerves, bones and blood vessels
Muscles need to be relaxed
Insertion of needle: 90

Question 5

What is the Z-track technique?

Answer 5

using your non-dominant hand, pull the skin and sub tissue sideways
Pierce the skin 90
Aspirate for blood
Slowly inject medication
Withdraw the needle and release skin
Created a pathway that locks in medication

Question 6

Where are the IM sites in the body?

Answer 6

Deltoid muscle (upper arm)
Ventrogluteal
Vastus lateralis
Gluteus maximus (bum)

Question 7

Describe IV injections

Answer 7

Injections sent directly into the vein
IV administration, a thin plastic tube called an IV catheter is inserted into your vein
The catheter allows the professional to give you multiple safe doses

Question 8

Describe subcutaneous injections

Answer 8

Smaller amount of fluids
Slower absorption as its injected in fatty tissues and connective tissues have reduced blood supply compared with muscle
Less depth of needle penetration:
90 if 25g needle
45 if 23g needle
Preferred sites: outer surface of upper arm, mid third of thigh and abdomen

Question 9

Describe ID injections

Answer 9

Injection between the layer of skin
Only 0.1ml or less
Local anaesthesia prior to cannulation
Preferred sites: outer surface of upper arm, mid third of thigh and abdomen

Question 10

What must you check before giving an injection?

Answer 10

The patients name and hospital number are the
same as on the prescription chart
That you know the therapeutic uses of the medicine
to be administered

Question 11

What action should you take when a contraindication to the prescribed medicine is
discovered?

Answer 11

Do not give the medication and inform the ward coordinator and the prescriber

Question 12

Reasons to give IM injections are?

Answer 12

Avoids risk of vomiting
Because the drug given is altered by intestinal
secretions

Question 13

Possible issues with injection a route of

medication administration are;

Answer 13

Risk of injury to nerves and/or blood vessels in the
area
Risk of sharps injury to the person giving the
medication

Question 14

Before giving medication what should you

do?

Answer 14

a) Check expiry dates and record lot numbers of the
medication
b) Ask the patient about any allergies or history of
anaphylaxis

Question 15

Which are the following reasons to commence an intravenous infusion (IV)?

Answer 15

Establish/maintain fluid or electrolyte balance

Administer continuous intravenous medication