To study Administration technique of Subcutaneous (S.C.
) Injection
1. Preparation:
o Wash hands thoroughly.
o Assemble the syringe, medication, alcohol swab, and bandage.
o Check the medication for proper dosage and expiration date.
2. Select Injection Site:
o Common sites: abdomen, thigh, upper arm.
o Rotate sites if multiple injections are required over time.
3. Prepare Injection Site:
o Clean the area with an alcohol swab and let it dry.
4. Prepare Syringe:
o Draw up the prescribed amount of medication into the syringe.
o Remove air bubbles by tapping the syringe and pushing the plunger
slightly.
5. Administer Injection:
o Pinch the skin to lift the subcutaneous tissue.
o Insert the needle at a 45 to 90 degree angle. (Normally 45 dehree)
o Inject the medication slowly and steadily.
6. Post-Injection Care:
o Remove the needle and release the pinched skin.
o Apply gentle pressure with a cotton ball or gauze.
o Cover the injection site with a bandage if necessary.
Special Care for Subcutaneous (S.C.) Injections
1. Site Rotation:
o Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue damage and ensure proper
absorption.
o Keep a record of injection sites used to avoid repeated use of the
same area.
2. Needle Safety:
o Use a new, sterile needle and syringe for each injection to prevent
infection.
o Dispose of needles in a sharps container.
3. Monitoring:
o Observe for signs of infection at the injection site (redness,
swelling, warmth).
o Be aware of potential allergic reactions to the medication.
4. Injection Technique:
o Ensure the needle is fully inserted to avoid medication leakage.
o Avoid areas with scars, moles, or skin abnormalities.
Figure 1Pinch the skin to lift the subcutaneous tissue
Figure 2 Angle of injection
Figure 3 sites of Subcutaneous injection
Figure 4 syringe needle disposal
Questions
[Link] is the typical angle of insertion for a subcutaneous injection?
A) 15 degrees
B) 30 degrees
C) 45 degrees
D) 90 degrees
E) Both C and D
[Link] of the following sites is commonly used for subcutaneous
injections?
A) Deltoid muscle
B) Vastus lateralis
C) Abdomen
D) Gluteus maximus
[Link] is the usual maximum volume of medication that can be
administered via subcutaneous injection?
A) 0.5 mL
B) 1-2 mL
C) 3-5 mL
D) 5-10 mL
[Link] of the following is a common use for subcutaneous injections?
A) Administering insulin
B) Administering antibiotics
C) Administering intravenous fluids
D) Administering chemotherapy
[Link] type of needle is typically used for subcutaneous injections?
A) 16-18 gauge, 1-1.5 inches
B) 20-22 gauge, 1 inch
C) 25-30 gauge, ⅜ to ⅝ inch
D) 18-20 gauge, 1.5 inches
[Link] is it important to rotate injection sites for subcutaneous injections?
A) To reduce the risk of infection
B) To ensure the medication is absorbed properly
C) To prevent tissue damage and lipodystrophy
D) To increase the speed of absorption
[Link] of the following is NOT a recommended site for subcutaneous
injection?
A) Upper outer arm
B) Front of the thigh
C) Lower back
D) Abdomen
[Link] is the main reason for pinching the skin before administering a
subcutaneous injection?
A) To reduce pain
B) To increase blood flow
C) To lift the subcutaneous tissue away from the muscle
D) To ensure the needle penetrates deeper
[Link] should be done if blood is aspirated when performing a
subcutaneous injection?
A) Continue with the injection
B) Change the needle and try a different site
C) Pull out the needle slightly and then inject
D) Remove the needle and discard the syringe
[Link] administering a subcutaneous injection, you should:
A) Rub the site vigorously to ensure medication absorption
B) Apply gentle pressure with a cotton ball or gauze
C) Leave the site uncovered
D) Apply a warm compress immediately
Answers:
1. E) Both C and D (45 degrees or 90 degrees can be used depending on the amount of
subcutaneous tissue)
2. C) Abdomen
3. B) 1-2 mL
4. A) Administering insulin
5. C) 25-30 gauge, ⅜ to ⅝ inch
6. C) To prevent tissue damage and lipodystrophy
7. C) Lower back
8. C) To lift the subcutaneous tissue away from the muscle
9. B) Change the needle and try a different site
10. B) Apply gentle pressure with a cotton ball or gauze
