SQ Injections

Question 1

Step 1

Answer 1

Gather equipment. Check each medication against the original order in the medical record. Check patients allergies in the chart.

Question 2

Step 2

Answer 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.

Question 3

Step 3

Answer 3

Perform hand hygiene

Question 4

Step 4

Answer 4

Prepare medications for one patient at a time.

Question 5

Step 5

Answer 5

Read the MAR and select the proper medication from the medication supply system or the patient’s medication drawer.

Question 6

Step 6

Answer 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.

Question 7

Step 7

Answer 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.

Question 8

Step 8

Answer 8

Transport medications to the patient’s bedside carefully, and keep the medications in sight at all times.

Question 9

Step 9

Answer 9

Ensure that the patient recieves the medications at the correct time.

Question 10

Step 10

Answer 10

Perform hand hygiene and put on PPE, if indicated.

Question 11

Step 11

Answer 11

Identify the patient. Compare the information with the MAR. The patient should be identified using at least two methods.

Question 12

Step 12

Answer 12

Close the door to the room or pull the bedside curtain

Question 13

Step 13

Answer 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.

Question 14

Step 14

Answer 14

Scan the patient’s bar code on the identification band, if required.

Question 15

Step 15

Answer 15

Put on clean gloves

Question 16

Step 16

Answer 16

Select and appropriate administration site

Question 17

Step 17

Answer 17

Assist the patient to the appropriate position for the site chosen. Drape, as needed, to expose only site area to be used.

Question 18

Step 18

Answer 18

Identify the appropriate landmarks for the site chosen

Question 19

Step 19

Answer 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.

Question 20

Step 20

Answer 20

Remove the needle cap pulling it straight off

Question 21

Step 21

Answer 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.

Question 22

Step 22

Answer 22

Inject the needle quickly at a 45- or 90- degree angle, depending on the amount of underlying subcutaneous tissue

Question 23

Step 23

Answer 23

Inject the medication slowly

Question 24

Step 24

Answer 24

Withdraw the needle quickly at the same angle at which it was inserted

Question 25

Step 25

Answer 25

DO NOT RECAP the used needle. Engage the safety shield or needle gaurd.

Question 26

Step 26

Answer 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

Question 27

Step 27

Answer 27

Discard the needle and syringe in the appropriate receptable

Question 28

Step 28

Answer 28

Assist the patient to position of comfort

Question 29

Step 29

Answer 29

Remove gloves and additional PPE, if used. Perform hand hygiene.

Question 30

Step 30

Answer 30

Document the administration of the medication immediately after administration.

Question 31

Step 31

Answer 31

Evaluate the patient’s response to the medication within the appropriate time frame for the particular medication.

Question 32

Subcutaneous injections

Answer 32

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.

Question 33

What size, gague needle is used for SQ injections

Answer 33

25 to 30 gauge, 3/8 to 1 inch needle, 3/8 and 5/8 inch needles are most commonly used for SQ injections.