ADMINISTERING SUBCUTANEOUS (SC/SQ) HYPODERMIC INJECTION

DEFINITION
 The administration of drug/medications into the subcutaneous tissue.
PURPOSE
 Used in administration of medications such as insulin and heparin,
because these drugs are absorbed slowly to produce sustained effect.

SITES
 Outer aspect of the upper arms
 Anterior aspect of the tights
 Lower abdominal wall
 Scapular areas of the back

PROCEDURE RATIONALE

1. Follow the general procedure for giving  See rationale 1.a-1.m of

injections (1.a-1.m of Intradermal
injection).
2. Hold syringe between thumb and
forefinger of dominant hand like a dart.
3. Pinch the skin with cushion with non-
dominant hand.
4. Inject needle quickly and firmly at 45
degree angle. Release the skin.
intradermal injection
 Quick, smooth injection is
easier with proper position
of syringe
 Pinching skin elevates
subcutaneous tissue.
 Quick, firm injection
minimizes discomfort

5. Grasp the lower end of syringe with  Injection requires smooth

non-dominant hand and position manipulation of syringe
dominant hand to the end of the parts. Movement of the
plunger. Do not move the needle. needle may cause
discomfort
6. Pull back on the plunger to ascertain  Aspiration of blood
that the needle in not in a vein. If indicates intravenous
there’s no backflow of blood slowly placement of needle so
inject the medication. Aspiration is procedure may have to be
contraindicated with some medications repeated.
like heparin
7. Quickly withdraw the needle while  Supporting tissue around
applying pressure on the injected site the injection site minimizes
with the alcohol swab. discomfort.
8. Gently massage the site. Massage is  Stimulates circulation and
contraindicated for some improves drug distribution
medication like insulin. and absorption.
9. Place back of client into a comfortable  Promote comfort.
position.
10. Do procedure #8-10 of Intradermal  See rationale #88-10 of
injection. Intradermal injection.
 NAME __ DATE PERFORMED
COURSE/YR & SEC _____

CHECKLIST ON ADMINITERING SUBCUTANEOUS (SC/SQ)

HYPODERMIC INJECTION

PROCEDURE 5 4 3 2 1

1. Check medications listed against physician’s order.

2. Review information regarding of the client.

3. Assess the size and general built of the client.

4. Assess the need for assistance.
5. Wash hands.
6. Prepare needed materials and medicine prescribed observing
the right of medication.
7. Recheck dosage calculation.
8. Identify and explain the procedure to the client. Provide for
privacy.
9. Assist client into a comfortable position and distract him/her by
talking about an interesting subject
10. Wear clean gloves on non-dominant hand and select
appropriate site of injection.
11. Clean the site with alcohol swab/cotton ball with alcohol using a
circular motion, moving from the middle of the site outward.
12. Allow the skin to air-dry.
13. Hold dry cotton ball between finger of the non-dominant hand
and pull cap from needle.
14. Pinch the skin and hold it in a cushion fashion with non-
dominant hand.
15. Inject the needle quickly and firmly at a 45 angle. Release the
skin.
16. Grasp the lower end of the syringe with non-dominant hand to
the end of the plunger. Do not move the syringe.
17. Pull back the plunger to ascertain that the needle is not in vein.
If no blood appears, slowly inject the site.
18. Quickly withdraw the needle while applying pressure on the
injected site with a cotton ball.
19. Gently massage the injected site.
20. Place back client into a comfortable position.
21. Discard the uncapped needle and syringe in a safe receptacle.
22. Remove gloves and wash hands.
23. Check the desired effect and any side effects of the
medication.
24. Document the procedure done.
Remarks:

Equivalent Grade:
Rating Scale:

Excellent : 96-100%
Very Satisfactory : 90-95%
Very Good : 85-89%
Good : 80-84%
Fair : 75-79%
Poor : 74 & below

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