Parenteral Medications
- Fast-Acting
- Greatest Risk
- Common Injections Sites: Deltoid, Vastus Lateralis, Ventrogluteal, and Dorsogluteal Muscles
- Absorbed Fast
- Vaccines and Epinephrine
- 3 mL Limit
- Common Injections Sites: Abdomen, Arm, and Thigh
- Absorbed Slower
- Insulin and Hormones
- Small Volumes
- Common Injection Sites: Back of Forearm and Upper Back
- Longest to Absorb
- Tuberculosis and Allergy Testing
- Under 0.5 mL
Routes of Administration Part One
- Oral
- Sublingual
- Buccal
- Rectal
- Tubes
- Transdermal
- Drops/Spray
- Vaginal
- Inhalation
Routes of Administration Part Two (Parenteral)
- Intradermal
- Subcutaneous
- Intramuscular (IM)
- Intravenous
- Epidural
- Intrathecal
- Intraosseous
- Intraperitoneal
Needle Sizes and Uses
- Adjust Size Based on Height/Weight
- Subcutaneous Injections
- 3/8 or 5/8 inch
- Intramuscular (IM)
- 1-1.5 inches
6 Rights of Medication Administration
- Right Patient
- Right Medication
- Right Dose
- Right Time
- Right Route
- Right Documentation
- Three Checks
- Check for Allergies
- Assess the Patient
- Education
Mixing NPH and Regular Insulin for Injection
- Verify Order
- Roll NPH Insulin
- Alcohol to Multiuse Vials
- Inject Air into NPH Insulin (Cloudy)
- Inject Air into Regular Insulin (Clear)
- Withdraw Regular Insulin Units
- Withdraw NPH Units
- Verify with 2nd Nurse
- Discard if Error
Conversions: Pounds and Kilograms
- 2.2 lb (pounds)
- 1 kg (kilogram)
- Know Your Own Weight
Conversions: Volume
- 1 mL = 1 cc
- 5 mL = 1 Tsp
- 15 mL = 1 Tbsp
- 30 mL = 1 oz
- 1000 mL = 1L
- 2 Tbsp = 1 oz
- 8 oz = 1 Cup