injections Flashcards
what are the five layers starting from your skin to the bone
epidermis dermis subcutaneous layer muscle periosteal layer of the bone
what are the four different types of injection techniques
intradermal
subcutaneous
intramuscular
the z technique
For an intradermal injection:
- where should the medication be administered
- what is this technique primarily used for
- what is the max amount that can be administered
- what needle should b used and at what angle
- administered just below the epidermis
- used for meds limited to the site eg anaesthetics and allergy testing
- max amount = 0.5 ml
- blue needle, inserted at a 10-15 degree angle
For an subcutaneous injection:
- where should the medication be administered
- what is this technique primarily used for
- what is the max amount that can be administered
- what needle should b used and at what angle
- just below top of subcutaneous layer (done by pinching the skin to raise adipose tissue from muscle layer)
- used for slow absorption meds eg anticoagulants and insulin
- max amount 1-2 mls
- orange needle, dependent on site use either 45 degree or 90 degree angle
For an intradmuscular injection:
- where should the medication be administered
- what is this technique primarily used for
- what is the max amount that can be administered
- what needle should b used and at what angle
- into muscle select from 5 sites
- used for rapid systemic action
- 1-5 mls dependent on location
- blue or green needle depending on location and amount of subcutaneous tissue make sure you dont hit the periosteal layer
what are the different sites for a IM injection
- deltoid
- vastus lateralis and rectus femoris (outside of thigh)
- dorsogluteal
- ventrogluteal
Explain the Z technique and what it is used for
- used when meds can stain or cause irritation to the skin
- skin is pulled side ways or downwards 2-3 cm, which moves the subcutaneous layer approx 1-2 cm
- needle is inserted at a 90 degree angle and med is inserted into the muscle
- wait 10 seconds before removal to allow the med to disperse
- skin is released as needle is withdrawn
- this ensures injection site is covered preventing leakage
what are five things you should consider when giving an IM injection
- are they receiving regular injections? (if so rotate site)
- avoid a site with any damage eg wounds, bruising or scar tissue
- general physical condition ( low muscle mass or atrophy in elderly)
- dont inject a contracted muscle
- obesity ( how much sub cut tissue do you have to go through to get to the muscle, may lead to misdistribution of drugs and altered absorption times)
what are the five rights to medication
- person
- medication
- time
- route
- dose
what size needle should be used on children
1 inch
what size needle should be used on adults
1.5 inch
what do you need to clean the skin with before an intramuscular injection? and does this need to dry before you insert the needle?
- alcohol swab
- yes (takes approx 30 seconds)
what angle should you inject the needle at with IM injection
it depends on amount of subcutaneous tissue either 45 or 90 degrees
why should you withdraw slightly before inserting the meds with an IM injection?
to check you haven’t hit a blood vessel
what should you do if when you draw back you get blood
- stop procedure and start again with new equipment and drug
