LEC 7: Subcutaneous Injections

Question 1

What is the syringe size, needle, length, and gauge for subcutaneous injections?

Answer 1

• Syringe size: 1 to 3 mL
• Volume of medication: 0.5 to 1 mL
• Gauge size: 25 to 27g
• Length: 1 to 1.6 cm (1/2 to 5/8”)

Question 2

What is the syringe size, needle, length, and gauge for insulin injections (subcutaneous injections)?

Answer 2

• Syringe size: 0.3, 0.3, or 1 mL
• Gauge size: 28 to 31g
• Length: 1 to 1.6 cm (1/2 to 5/8”)

Question 3

At what angle do you wan to inject the medication subcutaneous?

Answer 3

Want to needle to be at a 45 to 90 degree angle when injecting medication

• 45 degrees for small area
• 90 degrees for larger area

Question 4

What are counter indications for injection sites?

Answer 4

• Redness
• Rashes
• Edema
• Brusing

Question 5

How are the medications absorbed through subcutaneous injections?

Answer 5

Medication is slowly absorbed but effects last longer

Question 6

What should you not do after injecting medication?

Answer 6

Massage the site of injection. Want to apply gentle pressure with gauze

Question 7

Do you want to pinch or spread the skin?

Answer 7

Want to pinch the skin for injection of medication

Question 8

What are the 5 subcutaneous injection sites?

Answer 8

1. Outer aspect of the upper arm (back of the arm)
2. The abdomen from below the costal margin to the iliac crest
   - Want to make sure you are 2.5 away from the navel
3. The anterior aspect of the thigh
4. The upper back
5. The upper ventroguteal area

Question 9

How is insulin measured?

Answer 9

Insulin is measured in units NOT mL

- 1 unit = 1 mL

Question 10

When administering a subcutaneous injection in the abdomen, what do you need to avoid?

Answer 10

Want to avoid the navel, inject the medication at least 2.5 cm away

Question 11

When drawing up two different types of insulin, what do you want to make sure of?

Answer 11

If drawing up two types of insulin, ensure you draw up regular acting first (clear to cloudy)
- Prandial is regular actin

Question 12

Hypodermoclysis (Subcutaneous)

Answer 12

• Elderly or palliative patients
• Repeated subcutaneous injections
• Continuous or intermittent infusion
• Can be used for fluid replacement or medication administration

Question 13

When do you want to label the syringe?

Answer 13

• After the 2nd medication check, write out the information on label, take it from drug ampule or vial
• Once label is done will attach label on the syringe once medication is drawn up
• Do 3rd check with the sticker on the syringe at the bedside