FSCh37AdministeringInjections

Parenteral route

Medication administration that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, including intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous routes.

Intradermal injection (ID)

Injection of a small amount of fluid in the dermis, immediately below the epidermis, typically used for diagnostic purposes.

Subcutaneous injection (subcut)

Injection that deposits medication into the subcutaneous layer below the skin and above the muscle.

Intramuscular injection (IM)

Injection directly into the largest portion of a muscle, usually at a 90° angle, allowing for larger volumes of medication.

Ampule

A small, sealed glass drug container that must be broken to withdraw the medication.

Vial

A glass or plastic container of medication with a rubber stopper that must be punctured for medication removal.

Syringe

A device used to draw up and administer medication; consists of a barrel, plunger, and is available in various sizes.

Needle gauge

A standard measurement for the thickness of needles; a higher gauge number indicates a smaller diameter needle.

Asepsis

A state of cleanliness that prevents infection, essential in handling syringes and administering injections.

Compatibility

The ability of medications to be mixed without causing adverse reactions or degradation; checked before mixing drugs.

Z-track method

An injection technique used to prevent leakage of medication into subcutaneous tissue, typically used for irritating drugs.

Hypoglycemia

A condition characterized by abnormally low blood sugar levels, which may occur when administering insulin.

Heparin

An anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots; requires careful monitoring and verification before administration.

Bleeding gums

A potential complication associated with heparin administration that requires monitoring of the patient.

Occupational hazard

A risk associated with a profession, such as needlestick injuries among health-care workers.

Injection site

Specific anatomical locations on the body where injections are administered, e.g., ventrogluteal or deltoid sites.