Subcutaneous Medication Administration
Key Points
- Subcutaneous (SQ) injections deliver medication into fatty tissue for slower, sustained absorption.
- Common sites include abdomen, upper arms, thighs, and buttocks; abdomen is often preferred.
- Technique safety depends on aseptic preparation, correct needle selection, and angle/body-size matching.
Equipment
- Ordered SQ medication and syringe
- Needle typically 25G-30G and 3/8 to 5/8 in (9.5 to 15.9 mm)
- Antiseptic solution and gloves
- Sharps container and documentation tools
Procedure Steps
- Verify patient identity, order, and medication rights before preparation.
- Assess suitability for SQ route, including tissue thickness, medication volume, and patient factors.
- Select site (abdomen, upper arm, thigh, or buttock) and inspect skin integrity.
- Perform hand hygiene and prepare site with antiseptic solution.
- Prepare medication and pinch skin to create a skinfold.
- Insert needle with a quick, dart-like motion at a 45- to 90-degree angle based on needle length and body size.
- Inject medication slowly and steadily.
- Withdraw needle promptly and apply gentle pressure to the site.
- Dispose of needle and syringe immediately in puncture-proof sharps container.
- Document route, dose, site, and patient response/adverse reactions.
Common Errors
- Poor site/angle selection → unreliable absorption and tissue trauma risk.
- Breaks in aseptic technique → injection-site infection risk.
- Rapid forceful injection → increased discomfort and local tissue injury.
- Incomplete site documentation → unsafe rotation and continuity gaps.
Related
- intradermal-medication-administration - Distinguishes dermal versus subcutaneous depth and technique.
- oral-medication-administration-safety - Medication rights and post-administration evaluation principles apply across routes.