W5: Injections

Question 1

What is a parenteral medication?

Answer 1

o (Intradermal)
o Subcutaneous
o Intramuscular
o (Intravenous)

Question 2

Why parenteral route?

Answer 2

• Faster acting
• Oral route unavailable
  o Nausea/vomiting
  o Fasting, dysphagia
  o Trauma, ICU, Operating theatre
• Specific drugs (for some drugs the parenteral route is the only one possible –
  insulin)

Question 3

parenteral route disadvantages

Answer 3

• Irretrievable nature
• Adverse reactions more rapid
• Pain and discomfort to patient
• Risk of infection
• Risk to health personnel
• Nerve and bone damage

Question 4

• Key sites

Answer 4

Could be a portal of entry for
microorganisms to colonise the
patient.
Includes wounds, IMI or IV sites.

Question 5

• Key parts

Answer 5

Any parts of the equipment
which come into contact with
procedural equipment or the
patient.
Includes needles, forceps, sterile
gauze to clean a wound.

Question 6

Intramuscular
injection

Answer 6

o Muscle is less sensitive to viscous
& irritating medications
o Caution: blood vessels & nerve endings
o As the needle needs to enter the
muscle beneath the subcutaneous
tissue by at least 5 mm, a longer
needle and 90 degree angle is used
o Faster absorption (approx. 15 min)
o Volume, generally up to 3 mL