A proper injection, whether intramuscular or subcutaneous, involves a precise technique to ensure safety and efficacy. Here's a guide based on the provided reference:
Steps for a Proper Injection
- Preparation: Gather all necessary supplies, including the correct medication, syringe, needle, alcohol swabs, and gauze.
- Site Selection: Choose the appropriate injection site based on the type of injection (intramuscular or subcutaneous).
- Clean the injection site: Use an alcohol swab to clean the area. Allow the area to air dry to prevent stinging.
- Prepare the syringe: Draw the correct dose of medication into the syringe. Remove any air bubbles.
- Insert the needle: For intramuscular injections, insert the needle at a 90-degree angle. For subcutaneous injections, insert the needle at a 45 or 90-degree angle, depending on the length of the needle and the amount of subcutaneous tissue.
- Rapid Injection: According to the provided reference, inject the vaccine rapidly. This is mentioned around 7:14 - 9:13.
- Withdraw the needle: After injecting the medication, quickly withdraw the needle from the skin.
- Apply pressure: Immediately apply light pressure to the injection site for several seconds using a dry cotton ball or gauze. This helps to prevent bruising and bleeding.
Key Considerations
- Injection Speed: Inject the medication rapidly as per the reference.
- Needle Size: Use the appropriate needle size and gauge for the medication and injection type.
- Aseptic Technique: Maintain a sterile field throughout the process to minimize the risk of infection.
- Proper Disposal: Dispose of used needles and syringes in a sharps container.
Intramuscular vs Subcutaneous Injections
| Feature | Intramuscular Injection | Subcutaneous Injection |
|---|---|---|
| Needle Angle | 90 degrees | 45 or 90 degrees |
| Tissue Depth | Deep into muscle | Into subcutaneous fat |
Summary
A proper injection involves preparing the site, administering the medication swiftly and carefully, then withdrawing the needle and applying pressure. The key is to be precise and follow aseptic techniques. This will ensure you are following best practice for an injection.
