Nursing Injection Techniques

Introduction

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Intradermal Injections

• Location: Given into the dermis, just below the epidermis layer of skin, commonly in the forearm.
• Steps for Administration:
  1. Gather Supplies:
     • Select a 25 to 27-gauge needle, 1/4 to 1/2 inch length.
     • Ensure syringes are measured to the 1/100th.
  2. Preparation:
     • Perform hand hygiene and don gloves.
     • Recall the five rights of medication administration.
  3. Injection Process:
     • Cleanse the area with alcohol, allow to dry.
     • Hold syringe at a 5 to 15-degree angle.
     • Remove needle cap, inject to create a small wheal under the skin.
  4. Post-Injection:
     • Wait 10 seconds before removing needle.
     • Engage safety shield, dispose in sharps container.
     • Never recap the needle.
     • Remove gloves, perform hand hygiene, and document.

Intramuscular Injections (IM)

• Locations: Vastus lateralis, deltoid, ventrogluteal, or dorsogluteal muscles (depends on facility policy).
• Steps for Administration:
  1. Gather Supplies:
     • Select appropriate size needle.
     • Perform hand hygiene and don gloves.
  2. Preparation:
     • Recall the five rights of medication administration.
  3. Injection Process:
     • Cleanse area with alcohol, allow to dry.
     • Hold the syringe perpendicular to the client’s body.
     • Use Z-track method to displace skin.
     • Inject like throwing a dart.
  4. Post-Injection:
     • Wait 10 seconds before removing needle.
     • Engage safety shield, dispose in sharps container.
     • Never recap the needle.
     • Remove gloves, perform hand hygiene, and document.

Subcutaneous Injections (Sub-Q)

• Locations: Abdomen, thigh, upper arm, or lower back (ensure it’s a fatty area).
• Steps for Administration:
  1. Gather Supplies:
     • Select a 25 to 27-gauge needle, 3/8 to 5/8 inch length.
  2. Preparation:
     • Perform hand hygiene and don gloves.
     • Recall the five rights of medication administration.
  3. Injection Process:
     • Clean area with alcohol swab, allow to dry.
     • Hold syringe like a pencil or dart.
     • Inject at a 45 or 90-degree angle.
     • Pinching skin is optional, may reduce pain.
  4. Post-Injection:
     • Wait 10 seconds before removing needle.
     • Engage safety shield, dispose in sharps container.
     • Remove gloves, perform hand hygiene, and document.

Conclusion

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