Each person has to deal with certain diseases. In the treatment of pathology, medications are often prescribed. They can take the form of tablets, suspensions, rectal suppositories, and so on. However, a faster way to affect the body is by injection. This article will tell you how to perform subcutaneous injection (algorithm). You will also learn the features of this method of treatment and the place for the introduction of a particular drug.
What is a subcutaneous injection for?
The action algorithm will be described below, but for a start it is worth saying why this manipulation is performed. The thing is that in the subcutaneous fat layer there is a mass of blood vessels. Once in this zone, the drug is rapidly absorbed and begins to act. Intramuscular or intravenous administration of solutions is also quite effective. However, some drugs, such as oil medications, are not allowed to be used in this way.
Where to administer the medicine?
The technique of subcutaneous injection (algorithm) involves the introduction of the drug into the fold. In this case, the zone of the shoulder, abdomen, buttocks, hips or other departments is selected. Often an injection is placed in the scapular area. Especially often this method is used when vaccinating children and adults.
If we study the statistics, we can conclude that the subcutaneous injection (the algorithm will be described later) is most often carried out in the shoulder area. This method is used by most nurses.
Injection
The subcutaneous injection algorithm has several points. Before the introduction of the drug, it is worth carefully familiarizing yourself with each of them. Never take a medicine that has expired. Use only medicines that are tested or prescribed by your doctor.
The subcutaneous injection algorithm suggests the presence of certain agents. You must have a sterile syringe, medicine, a few cotton balls, an alcohol solution, or an antiseptic. Be sure to consider the composition of the medication. Insulin and oil solutions are administered in a slightly different way than conventional liquid medicine. So, let's find out how the subcutaneous injection is performed (algorithm).
First step: sterilization
First you need to open the ampoule and syringe. But before that you need to wash your hands thoroughly. To do this, it is best to use an antibacterial soap or a special disinfectant gel. Otherwise, you can put the germs on the syringe needle or in the injection solution.
When the hands are cleaned, you need to wipe the ampoule. To do this, moisten a cotton ball with alcohol or a special solution and carefully wipe the end of the glass container. If mixing of the compositions is required, then it is worth processing each surface that the syringe will touch.
Second step: opening the syringe and preparing the solution
When all surfaces and your hands are sterile, you need to open the syringe. To do this, tear the top of the paper packaging and remove the appliance. Open the medicine vial as carefully as possible. Remember that such glass may break.
Open the syringe needle and insert it into the ampoule. Pull the piston up and fill in the solution. If necessary, mix the components. Remember that different drugs cannot be mixed, they must be administered separately. It is better to choose different zones on the body.
When the solution is in the syringe, you need to release air from it. To do this, tap the instrument with your fingernail and collect all the bubbles at the top of the medicine. After that, slowly press the piston so that air escapes from the syringe. Now close the needle and proceed to the next stage of preparation.
The third step: preparing additional funds
Moisten two cotton balls in an alcohol solution. You will need them for skin treatment. It is also worth preparing a sterile ball in advance to complete the injection. Place all appliances on the bowl and place them near you.
Treat the selected area with alcohol and wait until the surface has completely dried.
Fourth step: drug administration
The subcutaneous injection algorithm for a child or adult involves the introduction of the drug to a depth of one and a half centimeters. To do this, you need to insert the needle about two-thirds.
Gather the skin with the two fingers of your right hand. Take the syringe to the left. The index finger should fit snugly to the base of the needle. Insert a syringe under the skin. In this case, the injection site should be at the base of the fold. Next, you need to quickly move the right hand from the skin to the piston. Enter the medicine without removing the left limb from the base of the needle. When the medication is over, attach the alcoholized cotton ball to the puncture site and disinfect it. Remember that you can not crush and rub the injection site.
Remove the cotton ball soaked in alcohol from the injection site. Then apply a dry, sterile dressing or cotton wool. This is necessary in order to avoid burns. It is especially important to carry out these manipulations on children's delicate and sensitive skin.
Features of the introduction of oil solutions
The algorithm for subcutaneous injection with drugs that have an oily composition is practically the same as that described above. However, before the introduction of the solution, you should definitely make sure that you do not accidentally get into the vessel. Otherwise, clogging of the channels may occur. In severe cases, suffocation occurs, and then death.
After preparing the solution and inserting a needle under the skin, pull the piston toward you. Do not do it too actively. Try to work slowly and carefully. If blood does not enter the syringe, then everything is done correctly and you can safely inject the drug. When you see drops of blood on the base of the needle, you should change the puncture site. Remember that oily medications are best administered at medical facilities. Only there you will be provided with qualified assistance in case of complications.
Features of insulin administration
Most often, such subcutaneous injections are performed in the abdomen. However, it is not forbidden to put such injections in the hips, arms and other areas. You can enter the drug in an amount of not more than two milliliters. In addition, each subsequent injection should be located approximately three centimeters from the previous one. It is better to choose a separate zone. Otherwise, the patient may form scars and bruises on the body.
Insulin syringes have a fairly short needle. That is why when using this device it is worth introducing its needle completely. So, hold its base with your finger and push it all the way. Insulin devices most often have a capacity of up to one milliliter. If you need more medication, then use alternative remedies.
Features of conventional subcutaneous injection
For such an injection, it is worth choosing a syringe with a thin needle. Remember, the smaller it will be in diameter, the more painless the procedure will go. You can not enter at a time more than 1-2 milliliters of the drug. This can lead to bumps and bruising. If this happened, then it is worth taking measures to eliminate the pathology. Most often used compresses from magnesia or iodine mesh.
Summary and short conclusion
You now know what subcutaneous injection is. The procedure for performing the procedure must always be followed. Only in this case, the effect of the treatment will come, and you can avoid complications. If you have never encountered the introduction of the drug subcutaneously, then you should trust a professional. Remember that with improper treatment, not only relief may not occur, but there is a likelihood of consequences. Put the injections right and be always healthy!