SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION
Subcutaneous injection involves placing of medication into the loose connective tissue under the dermis
Subcutaneous injection means the introduction of medicine into the subcutaneous tissues
Drug is injected into the layer of fatty tissues beneath the upper layers of the skin
Purpose
- To administer the medication that is ineffective in the gastrointestinal tract by the action of the digestive juice
- To administer smaller doses
- For slow drug absorption
- To obtain a prompt action of a medicine that is obtained by oral administration
General Instructions
- A 90 degree angle is normally used with a 5/8 inch needle for obese patients
- A 45 degree angle is used with the needle ¾ inch long or longer for an average patients are in a thin patient
- The techniques of giving injection for hypodermic injections will be same as in TM injection
- Use only non-irritating medications
- Use only small quantity of medication
- Deposit the medication in a fold formed by picking up a layer of skin and fat
- Be sure to insert the needle beyond the thickness of the skin (the medication is to be deposited in the subcutaneous tissue)
Equipment
- One ml calibrated in 40 or 80 units, e.g. insulin syringe
- Hypodermic needles (24-25 gauge, ½-5/8 inches length)
- Sterile cotton scubas
- Methylated spirit in container
- Kidney tray with paper bag
- Drug ordered sheet
- Small covered tray (sterile) to carry the prepared injections to the bed side
Criteria for Selection of Site
- The skin and underlying tissues are free of abnormalities
- Not over bony appearance
- Free of large blood vessels and nerves
Common Sites for Subcutaneous Injection
- Outer aspect of the upper arm
- Posterior chest wall below the scapula
- Anterior abdominal wall from below breast to iliac crests
- Anterior and lateral aspect of the thigh
Procedure
- Read the doctors order and select the medication
- Wash hands
- Select appropriate syringe and needle and check whether they are in good working order
- Recheck the order, medicine card with the label of the medicine, expiry date, etc
- Mix well and take out the required amount of solution in the syringe
- Keep in syringe with medication in the sterile tray and cover it
- Carry medication to the patient and identity the correct medicine
- Prepare the site for the injection
- A 90 degree angle is normally used with a 5/8 inch needle for obese patients
- A 45 degree angle is used with a needle ¾ inch longer for an average patient or in a thin patient
- The technique of giving injection for hypodermic injections will be same as in TM injections
After Care
- Inspect the area but do not massage
- Help the patient to dress up
- Watch for signs and symptoms of any allergic reaction
- Replace the equipment used for injection
- Clean all other articles and replace them in their proper place
- Wash hands
- Record the procedure on the nurse’s record and drug sheet
