In Lab

💉 Subcutaneous (SC) Injection – Nursing Demonstration

Mnemonic: "SIMPLE"

  • S - Sanitize (hand hygiene + gloves)

  • I - Identify (patient, medication, dose, site)

  • M - Measure (prepare correct dose, remove bubbles)

  • P - Pinch the skin (create a skin fold)

  • L - Locate site (abdomen, back of arm, thigh)

  • E - Eject at 45° or 90°, inject slowly, remove needle, discard safely

Subcutaneous Injection Quick Steps:

  1. Hand hygiene and check 6 Rights of medication.

  2. Choose injection site (rotate to prevent tissue damage).

  3. Clean site with alcohol swab (let dry).

  4. Pinch 2.5 cm of skin (especially for thinner patients).

  5. Insert the needle:

    • 45° angle if thin skin

    • 90° angle if more fatty tissue

  6. Inject medication slowly.

  7. Withdraw needle quickly and safely.

  8. Apply light pressure with cotton ball (no massaging!).

  9. Discard needle in sharps container immediately.

🩺 BLS Refresher – Basic Life Support (Adult) 2024

Mnemonic: "DRS ABCD" (especially in Australia and many global BLS protocols)

  • D – Danger (check for safety!)

  • R – Response (tap & shout: "Are you okay?")

  • S – Send for help (Call 000/911 & get AED)

  • A – Airway (open airway – head tilt, chin lift)

  • B – Breathing (check for normal breathing – look, listen, feel for 10 seconds)

  • C – CPR (if not breathing normally: 30 compressions, 2 breaths)

  • D – Defibrillation (use AED as soon as available)

CPR Quick Rules:

Step

Action

Notes

Chest compressions

100–120 per minute

Depth: at least 5 cm but not more than 6 cm

Airway

Open properly

Head tilt-chin lift

Breathing

Give 2 rescue breaths

Ensure visible chest rise

Defibrillation

Use AED ASAP

Follow voice prompts

Mnemonic to remember compression rate:
🧠 "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees – (100–120 beats/min = perfect rhythm!)

🎯 Quick Visual for Both Topics:

Subcutaneous Injection

BLS Steps

Sanitize, Identify, Pinch, Inject at 45–90°, Dispose Safely

Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillate Identify the emergency situation, initiate the appropriate response, and monitor the patient for any changes in their condition.