Sub Cutaneous Injection Procedure

Definition: Injecting of drug under the skin in the sub- cutaneous tissue, (under the dermis)

Purpose:
• To obtain quicker absorption than oral administration
• When it is impossible to give medication orally

Equipment
• Tray
• Sterile syringe & needle (disposable)
• Alcohol swabs
• Medication
• File
• Medication card and patient chart
• Receiver
• Water in a bowel
• Disposing box

Site of Injection
• Outer part of the upper arm
• The abdomen below the costal margin to the iliac crest.
• The anterior aspect of the thigh

Procedure
• Take equipment to the pt's bed side or room
• Explain the procedure to the patient
• Draw your medication
• Expel the air from the syringe
• Clean the site (usually it is in upper arms, thighs or abdomen)
• Grasp the area between your thumb & forefinger to tense it.
• Insert the needle elevate about 450 - 600 angle.
• Pierce the skin quickly & advance the needle
• Aspirate to determine that the needle has not entered a blood vessel
• Inject the drug slowly.
• After injecting withdraw the needle and massage the area with alcohol swab.
• Chart the amount and time of administration immediately.
• Take care of the equipment- wash, sterilize and return to its place
• Watch for undesired reaction (side effect of the drug) etc.

Note.
If repeated injections are given, the nurse should rotate the site of injection so that each succeeding injection is about 5 cm away from the previous one.