1. Subcutaneous Injections PN 11 Skills Lab Leslie Gifford Tracy Dunn Liz Mathewson

2. Parenteral Route Consists of ID, Subcu, IM, (your scope) Other routes outside of your scope include: –Intralesional; IV; intraspinal and intra-articlar spaces Over the next two weeks we will focus on subcutaneous and intramuscular. Refer to your pharmacology notes for absorption, distribution and excretion content

3. Subcutaneous Injection Equipment: Syringes Needles Medication Skin Prep Personal Protective Equipment

4. Identifying the Needle & Syringe

5. Ampules Thin walled/glass Single dose Neck of ampule is snapped Medication withdrawn with needle and syringe

6. Vial Plastic or glass One or multi dose Opened by removing cap Mediation removed with syringe and needle through rubber diaphragm Some need to be reconsitituted Should be dated and have expiry date

7. Equipment Disposal NEVER recap a used needle At bedside, put cap in your pocket so you are not tempted to recap after administration. Sharps container Disposal in the home setting

8. Administering the Subcu Injection Administer into fat below dermis and above muscle tissue Pinch skin; aspirate 45 to 90 degree angle No more than 1 mL per site Needle length ½ to 5/8 inch (sometimes 1”) 26g to 30g needle

9. Land-marking for Subcu Rotate Sites

10. Lifespan Consideration Infants and Children: Obese Adults: Home care setting: Rotate Sites