Routes of Needle Administration

Question 1

Parenteral Administration

Answer 1

any route that does not involve drug absorption through the GI tract

parenteral = OUTSIDE GI tract

Question 2

Examples of Parenteral Administration

Answer 2

-intradermal (ID)
-subcutaneous (subQ)
-intramuscular (IM)
-intravenous (IV)

Question 3

Intradermal Uses

Answer 3

insert at a 10-15 degree angle

TB testing, allergy sensitivities

Question 4

Intradermal Needle Size and Site

Answer 4

25-27 Gauge

inner forearm

Question 5

Subcutaneous Uses

Answer 5

insert at a 45 (underweight pts) / 90 degree angle (overweight pts)

nonirritating, water soluble medications (insulin / heparin)

Question 6

Subcutaneous Needle Size and Site

Answer 6

23-25 gauge

site: abdomen, posterior upper arm, thigh

Question 7

Intramuscular (IM) Uses

Answer 7

irritating meds, solutions in oils, aqueous suspensions

Question 8

Intramuscular (IM) Needle Size and Site

Answer 8

22-25 gauge

Site: deltoid, vastus lateralis, ventrogluteal

Question 9

Intravenous Uses

Answer 9

administration of meds, fluids & blood products

Question 10

Intravenous Needle Size and Site

Answer 10

16 gauge - pts who have trauma

18 gauge - surgery / blood admin

22-24 gauge - children, older adults

Site: hand, wrist, antecubital, foot, scalp

Question 11

16 gauge

Answer 11

for trauma, surgery, rapid fluid admin (bolus)

Question 12

18 gauge

Answer 12

administering blood, rapid infusions (bolus), CT scans with IV dye

Question 13

20 gauge

Answer 13

medications, routine therapies, IV fluids

Question 14

22 gauge

Answer 14

IV fluids, medications

Question 15

24 gauge

Answer 15

pediatric pts, elderly pts, very fragile / small veins