Subcutaneous injections Flashcards
Q: What is the purpose of administering subcutaneous injections?
A: To deliver medication into the subcutaneous tissue for slow absorption, commonly used for insulin, low molecular weight heparins, and growth hormones
Q: Why must healthcare professionals be trained in managing anaphylaxis when administering injections?
A: To manage potential severe allergic reactions that may occur with any injection
Q: What are the risks associated with unsafe injection practices?
A: Nerve damage, abscesses, pain, and potential legal consequences
Q: How can needlestick injuries be minimized?
A: By using safety-engineered devices, following local policies, and proper sharps disposal
Q: What are the appropriate sites for subcutaneous injections?
A: Deltoid areas of both arms, abdomen, and thighs; scapulae are rarely used and never for insulin
Q: Why is site rotation important for subcutaneous injections?
A: To prevent scarring and hardening of the subcutaneous tissue
Q: Why is skin decontamination not recommended for subcutaneous injections?
A: Alcohol hardens the skin, which can interfere with medication absorption, especially with frequent injections
Q: What are the key safety checks before administering a subcutaneous injection?
A: Verify the right patient, medication, dose, time, route, and check for allergies
Q: How should the skin be prepared before injecting?
A: Pinch the skin to separate the subcutaneous tissue from muscle, preventing intramuscular injection
Q: What angle should the needle be inserted for a subcutaneous injection?
A: A 90° angle using a darting motion for needles less than 1.2 cm long
Q: Is aspiration necessary when giving subcutaneous injections?
A: No, because subcutaneous tissue has a poor blood supply
Q: What should be done immediately after administering the injection?
A: Activate the safety device, dispose of the syringe in a sharps bin, decontaminate hands, and document the procedure
Q: Why should healthcare professionals monitor patients post-injection?
A: To observe for therapeutic effects and potential side effects
Q: What is the role of local policies in administering injections?
A: They dictate the equipment used, safety procedures, and waste disposal methods
Q: How should the healthcare professional prepare before giving a subcutaneous injection?
A: Assemble equipment, check expiry dates, wear an apron, and ensure a sharps container is nearby
Q: Why is it unnecessary to expel air from a prefilled syringe before a subcutaneous injection?
A: Because small air bubbles in subcutaneous injections are harmless and expelling air could risk contamination
Q: What factors influence the choice of injection site for subcutaneous injections?
A: Viscosity and volume of medication, and the amount of subcutaneous tissue at the site
Q: What PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is required during a subcutaneous injection?
A: Non-sterile gloves for invasive procedures and an apron, following local policy
Q: What should be assessed at the injection site before administering the injection?
A: Check for inflammation, oedema, infection, or skin lesions and choose an alternative site if any are present
Q: How long should the needle remain in place after injection?
A: Wait 5–10 seconds before removing the needle to ensure full medication delivery
Q: What are the consequences of failing to pinch the skin during a subcutaneous injection?
A: It may lead to inadvertent intramuscular injection, affecting medication absorption
Q: What is the correct procedure for disposing of sharps after injection?
A: Activate the needle’s safety mechanism and immediately dispose of it in a sharps bin
Q: What documentation must be completed after administering a subcutaneous injection?
A: Record the administration on the medication chart, noting dose, time, and route
