Skill 5-7: Administering a Subcutaneous Injection

The nurse administering a subcutaneous injection to a client avoids massaging the site after injecting the medication. Why is massaging the site contraindicated? It decreases the absorption of the medication. It can damage underlying tissue. It decreases the potency of the medication. It increases the chance for infection at the site.

It can damage underlying tissue. Rationale:Massaging the site following a subcutaneous injection is contraindicated because it is not necessary and might damage the underlying tissue or increase the absorption and possibly the potency of the medication.

The nurse is preparing to administer a subcutaneous injection of insulin to a client. Which site would the nurse choose? Lower back. Outer aspect of the upper arm. Exterior aspects of the thigh. Lower dorsal gluteal area.

Outer aspect of the upper arm. Rationale:The nurse would administer a subcutaneous injection in the following sites: outer aspect of the upper arm, abdomen from below the costal margin to the ileac crests, the anterior aspects of the thigh, the upper back, or the upper ventrogluteal area.

The nurse is teaching the student nurse where a subcutaneous injection is administered. How would the nurse describe the appropriate skin layer? The tissue known as the dermis. The tissue between the dermis and epidermis. The tissue comprising the muscles. The adipose tissue layer, just below the epidermis and dermis.

The adipose tissue layer, just below the epidermis and dermis. Rationale:A subcutaneous injection is given into the adipose tissue layer. An intradermal injection is given in the tissue known as the dermis. An intramuscular injection is given in the tissue comprising the muscles.

The nurse has just finished administering an insulin pen injection on a client and documents the administration in the electronic health record. Which is the correct information to document? The fact that the medication was given, the dose and the time, and the site. The dose and the name of the drug. The dose, date, time, and the client's reaction to the injection. The dose, date, and time.

The fact that the medication was given, the dose and the time, and the site. Rationale:After the injection, the nurse should document the administration of the medication by noting that the client was given the medication, the dose, the time of administration, and the site where it was administered.

The nurse is preparing to administer a subcutaneous injection for an adult client. The nurse knows that the volume of the injection is limited to how many milliliters of fluid? 1 mL 0.5 mL 0.75 mL 1.5 mL

1 mL Rationale:The volume of fluid administered in a subcutaneous injection is usually limited to 1 mL for an adult client. Giving larger amounts adds to the client's discomfort and may lead to poor absorption of the medication.

The nurse needs to prepare an insulin pen for injection of a prescribed dose of insulin. Place the following steps in the correct order. - Verify the dose selector returned to "0." - Hold the pen upright and press the plunger firmly - Dial the dose selector to 2 units - Clean the tip of the reservoir with alcohol - Screw the correct needle onto the reservoir - Watch for a drop of insulin at the needle tip

1)Clean the tip of the reservoir with alcohol. 2)Screw the correct needle onto the reservoir. 3)Dial the dose selector to 2 units. 4)Hold the pen upright and press the plunger firmly. 5)Watch for a drop of insulin at the needle tip. 6)Verify the dose selector returned to "0."

The nurse is demonstrating to a client with diabetes how to properly self-inject insulin. Which injection site would be most appropriate to recommend to the client? Inner surface of the forearm Shoulder Upper back, under the scapula Abdomen

Abdomen Rationale:The abdomen and anterior aspect of the thigh are common injection sites for subcutaneous injections. Sites commonly used for intradermal injections are the inner surface of the forearm and the upper back, under the scapula. The deltoid muscle of the shoulder is a common injection site for intramuscular injections.

The nurse has just finished administering the 0800-prescribed 10 units regular insulin in the left arm using an insulin injection pen. What will the nurse include in the documentation? Administered 10 units regular insulin subcutaneous in the left arm. Administered 10 units regular insulin subcutaneous at 0800 in the left arm. Administered 10 units regular insulin subcutaneous at 0800. Administered regular insulin at 0800 subcutaneous in the left arm.

Administered 10 units regular insulin subcutaneous at 0800 in the left arm. Rationale:After the injection, the nurse should document the administration of the medication by noting that the client was given the medication, the dose, the time of administration, and the site where it was administered.

The nurse is preparing to administer 10 units regular insulin via insulin injection pen to a client with a body mass index (BMI) equal to 40. How will the nurse best administer this medication? at a 45-degree angle using a 5/8- in (1.6-cm) needle at 90-degree angle using a 5/8-in (1.6-cm) needle at a 90-degree angle using a 3/8-in (0.9-cm) needle at a 45-degree angle using a 3/8-in (0.9-cm) needle

at 90-degree angle using a 5/8-in (1.6-cm) needle Rationale:Injections using an insulin pen should be administered at a 90-degree angle using a needle appropriate for the client's body size. Subcutaneous injections normally use a 3/8- to 5/8- in (0.9- to 1.6-cm) needle. An obese client would require the longer needle size. Subcutaneous injection using an insulin syringe and needle would be given at a 45-degree angle.