- HistoryHx
- ExaminationO/E
- InvestigationsIx
- Drug GuideRx
- Full List
- Anthropometry
- Cardiovascular
- Respiratory
- Gastrointestinal
- Neurological
- Biochemistry
- Haematology
- Critical Care
- Trauma
- Obstetrics
Subcutaneous Injections
Use
Equipment & Preparation
Identifying a Site
- Rotate injection sites to avoid damage to skin
- Abdomen
The most commonly used site
Anywhere except around the umbilicus
- Upper Arm
Higher chance of IM injection
Posteriorly or laterally
- Thigh
Higher chance of IM injection
Anterolaterally
- Upper Buttocks
Slowest absorption rate
Laterally
- Choosing the Right Site
Don't inject through burns, infections, oedema, moles
Injection
- Identify that this is the correct patient
- Explain the procedure and ask for patient's consent
- Positioning
Comfortable position, expose the desired site
- Wash hands and don gloves
- Prepare the Syringe
Reconstitute medication, draw up, injection needle
- Prepare the Area
Decontaminate with alcohol swab
- Pinch up the skin between thumb and index finger
- Insert the needle
45 degrees to the skin
- Pull Back the Plunger Slightly
Assess for blood - if so then remove and start again
- Inject the Medication
Slowly
- Remove the Needle
And apply light pressure to the site with a dry swab
- Clean Up
Dispose of sharps and other waste
- Remove gloves and wash hands
- Documentation
Complications