SC injection

Question 1

How do you initiate the procedure?

Answer 1

1. introduce/identify/explain/ allergies/wash hands etc - “we’re going to be giving you an injection of medication into your tummy using a needle and syringe, we’re doing this to help reduce the chances of a blood clot forming. 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 the equipment?

Answer 2

1. equipment - receptacle, blue clinell, drug (saline), appropriate syringe, 2x hypodermic needles - orange, 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 (25g)
4. remove gloves
5. take sharps bin to bedside

Question 3

How do you administer a subcutaneous injection?

Answer 3

1. identify site for injection - raise bed to comfortable height and ensure rails are raised, choose site on abdomen (or upper arm, thighs or buttocks)
2. check area for contraindications, clean skin and allow to dry for 30s
3. gently pinch skin around injection site into a fold with thumb and forefinger
4. ‘sharp scratch’, insert needle at 45 degrees to skin surface (unless giving insulin = 90 degrees)
5. leave third of needle visible and release skin
6. inject medication slowly (1ml/5-10s), check patient is okay
7. remove needle and apply pressure at site with cotton wool
8. 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