BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE
LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSING PROGRAM
1ST SEMESTER FUNDAMENTALS
SCIENTIFIC BASIS FOR NURSING PRACTICE
CHAPTER 35 - MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION - INJECTABLE MEDICATION
INTRODUCTION
Administering an injection is an invasive procedure that must be performed using aseptic techniques. The nurse administers drugs parenterally using one of the following routes: subcutaneous, intramuscular, intradermal, and intravenous. The intravenous route is the most quickly absorbed and that method will not be covered in this chapter.
OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to:
A. Theory
1. Identify the parts of a syringe.
2. State the three factors that must be considered in selecting the needle for an injection.
3. Discuss the meaning of an insulin bottle or syringe that is labeled U-100.
4. Describe how to mix medications from two vials.
5. Identify the body sites used for subcutaneous and intramuscular injections.
6. List two medications that are given Z-track.
7. Describe the Z-track method of administration of IM injections.
8. Describe how heparin and insulin are administered.
B. Laboratory
1. Calculate medication dosages.
2. Prepare injections in the laboratory setting following guidelines from the textbook.
ASSIGNMENT
A. Read Chapter 35- Potter & Perry, pgs. 735 - 755.
B. Study Guide for Chapter 35
D. View video on Administration of Injections.
CHAPTER 35
ADMINISTERING INJECTIONS
(Pages 735-755)
When administering injections there are a variety of needles and syringes are available. Choosing the right needle and syringe is the nurses responsibility. To be considered is:
· Medication to be given
· Tissue where the medication should be given (depth)
· Volume of medication
· Viscosity of medication
SYRINGES
Parts of the syringe:
Barrel
Tip (Either luer lock or non-luer lock- luer lock is a special tip that when the
special needle is twisted onto the top they are locked into place.
Plunger
Types of syringes:
Luer-lock/ non leur lock of varying sizes 0.5 to 60 ml
Tuberculin syringes- 1 ml/ marked in 0.01 (hundredths)
Insulin syringes- marked in 50 U or 100 U (holds .3ml to 1 ml)
Choosing a syringe: Depends on the volume of medication to be given
NEEDLES
Parts of the needle:
Hub- Fits onto the tip of the syringe
Shaft- Connects to the hub
Bevel- Tip of the needle that is always slanted
Characteristics of needles:
Vary in length- ¼” to 3”
Vary in diameter- Measured by gauge (smaller the gauge larger the diameter)
Most needles are made of stainless steel and are disposable
Many needles come pre-attached to a syringe (frequently used sizes come pre-attached)
Most needles now come with a safety device as part of the needle
Choosing a needle: (See pictures on page 873)
· Need to choose according to client’s size and weight (smaller the client shorter the needle, larger client longer needle)
· Type of tissue being injected
o (IM requires 18ga to 27 ga that is 1-1 ½ “long)
o (Subcutaneous injections require smaller diameter, ie 25 ga, and shorter needle 3/8” to 5/8” long)