Administer Subcutaneous Injections

Clinical and Testing Procedures

Materials Included

Text
Video
Anatomy
Simulation
Quiz

This module explains how to prepare for and administer subcutaneous injections into the various sites using medication from vials and ampules.

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Subcutaneous injections (sometimes called subq injections) are administered in the fatty tissue below the skin and are used for some vaccines, for substances like insulin that need to be absorbed more slowly, and for some medications that cannot be given by mouth. This module explains how to prepare for and administer subcutaneous injections into the various sites (arm, thigh or abdomen) using medication from vials and ampules. Including both Learn and Test modes, the online simulator offers three scenarios that test your ability to administer subcutaneous (subq) injections into different sites. Practice the steps of the procedure as often as you want until you are confident. This module is based on the entry-level competencies for which the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) test the Medical Assistant.

You’ll learn

relevant medical terminology
appropriate needle and syringe sizes for subcutaneous injections
important safety considerations
to visualize the key anatomical structures and components comprising the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layers of the skin - using our anatomy illustrations and 3D model
to understand the different injection sites and when to use each
how to prepare the substance to be injected
to practice and perfect your skills in administering a subcutaneous injection
correct documentation and post-procedure requirements
much more (see “content details” for more specific information)

Introduction

Step 1 - Preparation

Step 1.1 - Equipment preparation

Step 1.2 - Medical assistant preparation

Step 1.3 - Patient preparation

Step 2 - Choose and inspect the injection site

Step 2.1 - Select a site

Step 2.1.1 - Upper arm

Step 2.1.2 - Anterolateral thigh

Step 2.1.3 - Abdomen

Step 2.2 - Position the patient

Step 2.3 - Inspect the intended injection site

Step 3 - Clean the site

Step 4 - Administer the subcutaneous injection

Step 5 - Apply the dressing

Step 6 - Complete the procedure

Describe pre-procedure considerations for administering a subcutaneous injection.
Describe and demonstrate the preparation for administering a subcutaneous injection.
Describe and demonstrate needle and blood safety.
Describe and demonstrate suitable injection sites for subcutaneous injections.
Discuss the appropriate needle and syringe sizes for subcutaneous injection.
Describe and demonstrate the preparation of the substance to be injected.
Describe and demonstrate safe and correct administration of a subcutaneous injection.
Understand and apply Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.
Understand and apply drug administration safety guidelines (seven rights).
Understand correct post-procedure considerations.
Describe and demonstrate correct documentation.
Define and demonstrate correct recording and reporting procedures.
Define and use related medical terminology.
Explain the Patient Privacy Rule (HIPAA), Patient Safety Act, and Patients' Bill of Rights.

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long