NUR 117 - Skill Set 3

Injection needle gauges, lengths, and injection volumes.

Intradermal needle gauge?

26 - 28

Intradermal needle length?

1/4 - 1/2 inch

Intradermal angle of insertion?

15 degrees

Intradermal volume range?

0.01 - 0.1 mL

Key sign of correct Intradermal injection?

Wheel (small bleb/raised bubble)

SubQ needle gauge?

25 - 29

SubQ needle length?

3/8 - 5/8 inch

SubQ angle of insertion?

45 - 90 degrees

SubQ volume limits (adult)?

0.5 - 2 mL

SubQ volume limits (child/infant)?

0.5 mL

Common SubQ Medications?

Heparin and insulin

IM needle gauge (adult)?

20 - 23

IM needle length (adult)?

1 - 1.5 inches

IM angle of insertion?

90 degrees

IM volume limit (adults)?

0.5 - 3 mL

IM volume limit (infant/child)?

0.5 - 1 mL

Special IM for newborns (0-4 months)?

Gauge: 25; Length: 5/8 inch; Volume: 0.5 mL

Deltoid max volume (adult)?

1 mL

Deltoid Max volume (child)?

0.5 mL

Ventrogluteal max volume (adult)?

3 mL

Ventrogluteal max volume (child)?

1 mL

Why is the Ventrogluteal the preferred site?

Lowest risk of nerve/vascular injury

Vastus Lateralis Max volume (adult)?

2 mL

Vastus Lateralis max volume (child)?

1 mL

Preferred IM site for infants < 7 months?

Vastus Lateralis

Dorsogluteal max volume (adult)?

3 mL

Should dorsogluteal be used in infants?

No

Why should you avoid dorsogluteal?

Risk of sciatic nerve injury and bleeding

What type of medications are used for intradermal injections?

Non-irritating substances only

Why do you avoid certain IM sites?

Risk of nerve damage and bleeding

What affects IM needle length?

Patient size (weight, muscle mass)