Injections (Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, Intravenous & Intraosseous) Flashcards
Where are Subcutaneous injections administered?
The layer of skin directly below the dermis and epidermis called the CUTIS
Which medications are subcutaneous injections used to administer?
- Insulin
- Morphine
- Diacetylmorphine
- Goserelin
- Anticoagulant (e.g Heparin)
What are the most common areas for subcutaneous injections?
- Upper outer area of the arm
- Front and outer sides of the thighs
- Abdomen
- Upper outer area of the buttocks
- Upper hip
What are the angles for Intramuscular, Subcutaneous, Intravenous and Intradermal?
- INTRAMUSCULAR = 90 degrees
- SUBCUTANEOUS = 45 degrees
- INTRAVENOUS = 25 degrees
- INTRADERMAL = 10-15 degrees
What are complications of Injections?
- Pain near the injection site
- Redness
- Swelling
- Warmth or drainage
- Abscesses and granulomas
When are Intramuscular injections used?
When other types of delivery methods aren’t recommended which include oral, intravenous and subcutaneous
What advantages do Intramuscular injections have over subcutaneous injections?
- Absorbed faster (muscle tissue has a greater blood supply than the tissue under the skin)
- Holds a larger volume of medication
Where are the different Intramuscular injection sites?
- DELTOID MUSCLE OF THE ARM
(difficult for self-injection, small muscle mass limits volume of medication that can be injected) - VASTUS LATERALIS MUSCLE OF THE THIGH
(self-administration) - VENTROGLUTEAL MUSCLE OF THE HIP
(deep & not close to any major blood vessels and nerves)
In which situations will IV injection be administered?
- A potentially life saving medication is needed very quickly
- When a person needs a very accurate dose of medication
- When a person needs a large dose of a medication over an extended period of time
- When taking a medication by mouth would be impractical or ineffective
- When a person would otherwise require multiple injections
Which drugs are typically given via IV?
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Antibiotics
- Antifungal drugs
- Pain relief medications
- Low blood pressure drugs (e.g dopamine, epinephrine & norepinephrine)
- Immunoglobin medications
What are the different locations for Intravenous injections?
- Forearm (Antecubital Fossa, Wrist or Elbow)
- Back of the hand
- Outer surface of the foot
What is Intraosseous cannulation?
Placing a sturdy needle through cortical bone and into the medullary cavity
When is Intraosseous access (IO) used?
In situations where prompt venous catheterisation is not possible
What are the indications that Intraosseous access is needed?
- Two unsuccessful peripheral IV attempts or an inability to visualise peripheral veins
- Unstable patient requiring medications or fluid replacement
What are contraindications to Intraosseous access?
- Bone fracture/Recent cannulation attempts
- Injured inferior vena cava
- Infection/Burn at needle-insertion site
- Osteoporosis/Osteogenesis Imperfecta (bone is easily fractured during procedure)
