Injections Flashcards
When preparing an injection from an ampule, what will the nurse do if liquid is trapped in the neck of the ampule?
Check the medication cabinet for an extra ampule of the medication.
What is the greatest safety concern when withdrawing medication from an ampule?
Withdrawing glass particles into the syringe
How does the nurse minimize the risk of patient infection when preparing medication from an ampule?
reserving the sterility of the needle while preparing the medication
Which action minimizes the risk of introducing glass particles into the syringe when drawing medication from an ampule?
Using a filter needle or straw to draw the medication from the ampule
Which action might the nurse take when drawing up medication from an ampule?
Hold the ampule upside down while inserting the filter needle.
Which action would the nurse take to diminish tissue irritation when administering a subcutaneous injection to a patient of average size?
Make sure the volume of the medication is less than 2 mL.
Which needle would be most appropriate for the nurse to use when giving a subcutaneous injection to a patient of average height and weight?
25-gauge, ⅜-inch
What can the nurse do to minimize the discomfort of a subcutaneous injection?
Cover the injection site with gauze pad after withdrawing the needle.
When preparing to administer heparin or insulin subcutaneously, which site is preferred?`
Abdomen
What can the nurse do to ensure proper site selection for subcutaneous insulin injection?
Systematically rotate sites within the same anatomical location or area.
Which action by the nurse ensures patient safety when administering an intramuscular injection?
Rotating injection sites
When preparing an intramuscular injection, what can the nurse do to reduce the patient’s risk for infection?
Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab.
What can the nurse do to minimize the patient’s risk for injury when delivering an intramuscular injection?
Pull back on the plunger after inserting the needle.
Which site is most commonly used for intramuscular injections?
Ventrogluteal
Which action by the nurse helps to ensure that the medication is delivered into the muscle when administering an intramuscular injection?
Aspirating for blood return before injection medication
Which needle to you use to draw medication out of an ample?
Blunt filter needle
Where do you break the ampule?
At the neck- using something in between you and the glass
What size needle for subcut/ IM?
Typically a 1 to 3ml syringe is used for Subcut and IM
When do you use a bigger syringe?
If the syringe is more than 2/3 or 75% full, a bigger syringe size should be used
How is the size of a needle determined?
The larger the gauge number the smaller the diameter of the shaft
Usually determined by the viscosity of the medication
What does touching the inside of the ampule do?
Do not touch the side of the ampoule with your needle as it has the potential to become contaminated
SYringes containing medication for injection must be labelled with:
2 Client Identifiers
Name of Medication
Dose/Volume
Route
How many mL’s are injected via subcutaneous?
Usually < 1mL injected via subcutaneous route
What angle do you insert at if you can get 5cm of tissue?
Administer at a 90 degree angle if 5 cm tissue can be grasped at the site
What angle do you insert at if you can get 2.5cm of tissue?
Administer at a 45 degree angle if 2.5 cm tissue can be grasped at the site
Subcutaneous injection sites need to be rotated to:
Minimize tissue damage
Maintain absorption
Avoid discomfort
