Subcu Injection Flashcards
· Why would a patient be ordered Heparin?
o Reduces a patient’s risk for developing a thrombus, Heparin suppresses clot formation.
· What is the preferred site to administer Heparin?
o Abdominal adipose because it will absorb the medication well.
· What are additional considerations when administering Heparin?
o Patients are at risk for bleeding gums, melena (black or tarry) stool, hematomas, and hematuria.
Where are subcu injections administered?
loose connective tissue underlying the dermis.
What is a downside to subcu injections vs IM?
medications are absorbed more slowly than with intramuscular (IM) injections.
What influences the rate of drug absorption?
Physical exercise or application of hot or cold compresses influences the rate of drug absorption by altering local blood flow to tissues
What is contraindiction for Subcu injections?
- Any condition that impairs blood flow is a contraindication for subcutaneous injections.
You give subcu injections that are….
in small doses of less than 2 mL that are isotonic, nonirritating, non-viscous (not thick), and water soluble
What is the recommended amount of subcu injection for infants?
0.5mL
Give examples of subcu meds
epinephrine, insulin, allergy medications, opioids, and heparin.
What do some ppl experience discomfort when receiving a subcu injection?
Because of the pain receptors in the subcu tissue
What are the best subcu injection sites and what is the rationale?
outer aspect of the upper arms, the abdomen from below the costal margins to the iliac crests, and the anterior aspects of the thighs These areas are easily accessible and are large enough to allow rotating multiple injections within each anatomic location.
What should you look for when choosing an injection site?
free of skin lesions, bony prominences, and large underlying muscles or nerves.
What does site rotation prevent?
formation of lipohypertrophy or lipoatrophy in the skin.
How can you determine which size needle to use?
The patient’s body weight and amount of adipose tissue indicate the depth of the subcutaneous layer➔ base the needle length and angle of needle insertion on the patient’s weight and estimate of subcutaneous tissue.
