COURSE MODULE

N106a- PHARMACOLOGY SKILLS

RLE

Course : N106a
Course Title : Pharmacology
Course Credit : 3 units/51 hours
Contact Hours/Week : 9 hours /week
Pre requisites : Mathematic, Anatomy and Physiology,
Microbiology, NCM100, NCM101, NCM 102
NCM 103, NCM 104
Module IV
Introduction
This module discusses about Parenteral Drug Administration mainly Intramuscular
Injection, Subcutaneous Injection, and Intradermal Injection. Its indications and
contraindications. Acceptable and recommended sites or route, proper syringes and needles to
use for injections following acceptable standards and techniques in drug administration.

Week 4 – Parenteral Drug Administration

Topic – The Syringe

I. The syringe
I.1 Definition
I.2 Parts of the syringe
I.3 Types, uses
I.4 Different sizes, gauges,
I.5 indications of hypodermic needles

Intended Learning Objectives

At the end of the module, the learner will be able to:
1. Define syringe;
2. Identify the different parts of the syringe;
3. Differentiate the types and sizes of the syringe;
4. Define hypodermic needle;
5. Identify the parts of the hypodermic needle;
6. Distinguish sizes, gauges and uses of hypodermic needles; and
7. Identify the use of a particular type of syringe and hypodermic needle.

Activate prior knowledge

Pre- test (posted in the quiz portion of the canvas)

Juliet V. Avena, MAN,RN

Acquire new knowledge
Discussion / lecture on the definition, parts of the syringe, types, sizes, and its particular use
through:
Power point presentation (to be sent separately), video conferencing, zoom (demonstration
/presenting an actual syringe) or telegram

The Syringe

Luer lock needless

Definition:
Syringe: A medical device that is used to inject fluid into, or withdraw fluid from, the body. A
medical syringe consists of a needle attached to a hollow cylinder that is fitted with a sliding
plunger. The downward movement of the plunger injects fluid; upward movement withdraws
fluid. (www.medinet.com)

A syringe is a sterile, single-use device that has a Luer lock or non-Luer lock tip, which
influences the name of the syringe. Syringes come in various sizes from 0.5 ml to 60 ml.
Syringes may come with or without a sterile needle and will have a safety shield on the needle.

Parts of a Syringe

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 Different sizes of Syringes

The syringe comes in different sizes to accommodate the ordered amount of drug to be
administered.

Types of Syringes

Insulin syringe – is intended for insulin used only, calibrated in “units”

Juliet V. Avena, MAN,RN

 Insulin is only given using an insulin syringe (see Figure 7.9). Insulin is ordered in units. It is
important to use the correct syringe and needle for the specific injection. Always examine the
measurement scale on the syringe to determine that you have the correct syringe (Lynn, 2011).

Figure 7.9 Insulin syringe with safety shield

Read this information about syringes to review the different types of syringes.

Tuberculin Syringe- 1 ml syringe to accommodate small amount of drugs and mainly used for
skin testing and for BCG vaccination, and rabies vaccine.

The Hypodermic needle

A hypodermic needle, one of a category of medical tools which enter the skin, called sharps, is a
very thin, hollow tube with a sharp tip that contains a small opening at the pointed end.

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 Needles in common medical use range from 7 gauge (the largest) to 33 (the smallest).

Needles are made of stainless steel, are sterile and disposable, and come in various lengths and
sizes. The needle is made up of the hub, shaft, and bevel. The bevel is the tip of the needle that is
slanted to create a slit into the skin. The hub fits onto the tip of the syringe. All three parts must
remain sterile at all times. The length of the needle will vary from 1/8 in. to 3 in., depending on
the injection.

The gauge of a needle is the diameter of the needle. Gauges can vary from very small diameter
(25 to 29 gauge) to large diameter (18 to 22 gauge). A needle will have its gauge and length
marked on the outer packaging; choose the correct gauge and length for the injection ordered
(Lynn, 2011) (see Figures 7.10, 7.11, and 7.12).
Read this information about needles to review needles and how to “scoop cap”.

Variety of needles with different gauges and lengths

Types of needles with safety shield

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 Needle with safety cap

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 Gauge
o 26G × 1⁄2″ (0.45 × 12 mm) (brown)
o 25G × 5⁄8″ (0.5 × 16 mm) (orange)
o 22G × 1 1⁄4″ (0.7 × 30 mm) (black)
o 21G × 1 1⁄2″ (0.8 × 40 mm) (green)
o 20G × 1 1⁄2″ (0.9 × 40 mm) (yellow)
o 19G × 1 1⁄2″ (1.1 × 40 mm) (cream)
Hypodermic Needle gauge and sizes

Recapping needles
When recapping a needle, use one hand only. Place the cap on a level surface. Slowly slide the
needle into the cap. Gently scoop up the cap, allowing it to cover the needle, and carefully use
your index finger and thumb to secure the cap in place. You may also press the cap against an
inanimate object to help fix it in place. Never place your fingers near the needle tip.

Juliet V. Avena, MAN,RN

Juliet V. Avena, MAN,RN
 Watch: Youtube The One-hand Scoop Technique and Discard Used Needles Safely

Analysis
Quiz (sent in the quiz portion of the canvas)

Application
Return Demonstration on proper handling of syringes and recapping of needles

Analysis
Catechization / Quiz

Application
Return demonstration on proper handling of syringes and recapping hypodermic needles

Assessment
Individual / group activities
Periodical Examination

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Prepared by:

Juliet V. Avena
Professor

Juliet V. Avena, MAN,RN