SC injections

Question 1

What are the benefits of SC injections?

Answer 1

They have little blood flow so are beneficial for medications requiring slow release
Relatively pain free so suitable for frequent injections

Question 2

What are the disadvs for SC injections?

Answer 2

Repeated injections require rotating sites as can cause lipodystrophy
Max volume 2mls

Question 3

What are the contraindications to SC injections?

Answer 3

Patient refusal
Allergy
clotting abnormalities (relative)

Question 4

What are the sites for SC injections?

Answer 4

Periumbilical
lateral arms
lateral thigh
back

Question 5

What equipment is required for SC injection?

Answer 5

gloves and apron x2 if drawing up
drug - check date, dose, prescription and allergies
Blunt needle or green needle for drawing up
Alcohol wipe
orange needle for giving medication
sterile gauze
tape

Question 6

How do you give an SC injection

Answer 6

Wash hands
put on gloves and apron
wipe area 30s rest
Pinch 5cm fold of skin
Insert orange needle at 45 degreee then release skin
pull back and look for blood then inject drug
remove needle and use gauze to cover