Subcutaneous injection

1. Subcutaneous Injections

2. Subcutaneous Injections
• Definition
• A subcutaneous injection is method of administering medication into the subcutaneous tissue.
• Common sites are outer aspect of upper arms and anterior aspect of thighs.
• Other sites are abdomen, the scapular areas of the upper back, and the upper ventrogluteal and
dorsogluteal areas
• Purposes
• To provide the required medication
• To allow slower absorption of a medication as compared to intramuscular or intravenous route

3. Sites of subcutaneous injection
• The best areas on your body to give yourself a SQ injection are:
• Upper arms. At least 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) below your shoulder and 3
inches (7.5 centimeters) above your elbow, on the side or back.
• Outer side of upper thighs.
• Belly area. Below your ribs and above your hip bones, at least 2 inches (5
centimeters) away from umbilicus.

4. Site selection
• Injection site should be healthy, meaning there should be no redness,
swelling, scarring, or other damage to skin or the tissue below the skin.
• Change injection site from one injection to the next, at least 1 inch apart.
This is important to minimize tissue damage, aid absorption and avoid
discomfort.

7. Equipments required
• A tray containing
• Physicians order sheet/Medication card
• Vial or ampule of medication
• Syringes 2ml, needles 25-27G,3/8 0r 5/8 inches long
• Antiseptic swabs
• Disposable gloves
• Kidney tray

8. Pre procedure
• Review physicians order for patient`s name, medication name, dose, and
route of administration
• Get ready with all required items

9. Preparation of the patient and environment
• Identify the patient correctly
• Explain the procedure to the patient
• Provide privacy
• Place the patient in a comfortable and relaxed position
• Select the size suitable for the route of administration

10. Steps of procedure
• Check the medication order for accuracy
• Identify the client and assist the patient to a comfortable position
• Provide privacy
• Wash hands
• Don gloves
• Prepare the medication.
• Select an appropriate site and cleans the area(about 2inches)with a fresh alcohol
swabs. Start at the point of injection and clean in a widening circle of 2.5 inches

11. Thank You

12. Steps of the procedure
• Hold the swab between the third and fourth fingers of non dominant hand
• Remove the needle cap . Pinch a inch skin fold between your thumb and
index fingers. Hold the syringe the way you hold a pencil . Insert the needle
at an angle of 45 degrees the pinched up skin fold. The needle should be
completely inserted.
• Do not aspirate. Slowly push the plunger all the way down to inject the
medicine.

13. Steps of the procedure
• Remove the needle from the skin. If there is bleeding at the site apply a
bandage.
• Dispose of the supplies appropriately.
• Immediately put the syringe and needle into a puncture proof container.
• Remove the gloves and wash hands.
• Document all relevant information.
• Report for any undesirable effects from medication

14. Administering heparin injection
• Do not aspirate when giving heparin via subcutaneous route.
• Do not massage the site after injection
• Alternate the site of subsequent injections

15. Doubts?

16. Thank you