SQ Injections Flashcards
Step 1
Gather equipment. Check each medication against the original order in the medical record. Check patients allergies in the chart.
Step 2
Know the actions, special nursing considerations, safe dose ranges, purprose of administration, and adverse effects of the med to be administered. Consider the appropriateness of the medication.
Step 3
Perform hand hygiene
Step 4
Prepare medications for one patient at a time.
Step 5
Read the MAR and select the proper medication from the medication supply system or the patient’s medication drawer.
Step 6
Compare the medication label with the MAR. Check expiration dates and perfrom calculations, if necessary. Scan the bar bode on the package, if required.
Step 7
If necessary, withdraw medication from an ampule or vial without contamination of the needle.
a. cleanse vial using alcohol swab FOR 15 SECONDS.
b. Inject air equivalent to amount of medication
c. withdrawl amount of medication as appropriate.
Step 8
Transport medications to the patient’s bedside carefully, and keep the medications in sight at all times.
Step 9
Ensure that the patient recieves the medications at the correct time.
Step 10
Perform hand hygiene and put on PPE, if indicated.
Step 11
Identify the patient. Compare the information with the MAR. The patient should be identified using at least two methods.
Step 12
Close the door to the room or pull the bedside curtain
Step 13
Complete necessary assessments before administering medications. Check the patient’s drug allergy bracelet or ask the patient about allergies. Explain the purpose and action of the medication to the patient.
Step 14
Scan the patient’s bar code on the identification band, if required.
Step 15
Put on clean gloves
Step 16
Select and appropriate administration site
Step 17
Assist the patient to the appropriate position for the site chosen. Drape, as needed, to expose only site area to be used.
Step 18
Identify the appropriate landmarks for the site chosen
Step 19
Cleanse the area around the injection site with an alcohol swab. Use a firm, circular motion while moving outward from the injection. Allow the area to dry.
Step 20
Remove the needle cap pulling it straight off
Step 21
PINCH the area surrounding the injection site with non-dominant hand while holding the syringe in the dominant hand between the thumb and forefinger.
Step 22
Inject the needle quickly at a 45- or 90- degree angle, depending on the amount of underlying subcutaneous tissue
Step 23
Inject the medication slowly
Step 24
Withdraw the needle quickly at the same angle at which it was inserted
Step 25
DO NOT RECAP the used needle. Engage the safety shield or needle gaurd.
Step 26
If blood or clear fluid appears at the site after withdrawing the needle, use a gauze square to apply gentle pressure to the site. Do NOT massage the site
Step 27
Discard the needle and syringe in the appropriate receptable
Step 28
Assist the patient to position of comfort
Step 29
Remove gloves and additional PPE, if used. Perform hand hygiene.
Step 30
Document the administration of the medication immediately after administration.
Step 31
Evaluate the patient’s response to the medication within the appropriate time frame for the particular medication.
Subcutaneous injections
Deposit the drug just under the skin, where it is SLOWLY absorbed into circulation.
TIming absorption varies depending on the fat content of the injection site and the state of local circulation.
What size, gague needle is used for SQ injections
25 to 30 gauge, 3/8 to 1 inch needle, 3/8 and 5/8 inch needles are most commonly used for SQ injections.
