LESSON 2
PROCEDURES FOR ADMINISTERING THE THREE TYPES OF INJECTIONS
Section I. ADMINISTER AN INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION
2-1.
GENERAL
This lesson discusses the procedures for administering the three types of
injections. The basic preparation (checking the doctor's order, washing hands,
assembling needle and syringe, and drawing medication) is basically the same for all
types of administering medication. Remember that this subcourse by itself does not
present sufficient training for you to be proficient in administering injections. You need
"hands-on" training under the guidance of a qualified person before you begin
administering injections.
2-2.
INTRODUCTION
An intramuscular (IM) injection is the preferred route of administering medication
when fairly rapid-acting and long-lasting dosage of medication is required. Some
medications that are irritating to the subcutaneous tissue may be given into the deep
muscle tissue. Injection of medication into muscle tissue forms a deposit of medication
that is absorbed gradually into the bloodstream. An intramuscular injection is the safest,
easiest, and best tolerated of the injection routes. Remember the following guidelines:
a. The needle should be not less than one inch in length or more than one and
one-half inches long (20 to 22 gauge). A needle one and one-fourth inches long (20 to
22 gauge) is commonly used.
b. A maximum volume of medication of five milliliters per injection can be
administered at one site to an adult.
2-3.
PROCEDURE FOR ADMINISTERING AN INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION
NOTE:
The steps are basically the same for all the types of injections.
a. Check Doctor's Orders and Obtain Medication. Of course, no injection is
given without the doctor's orders. The orders are checked to ensure correct medication
is obtained and administered. The correct dosage may already be prepared by the
hospital pharmacy.
b. Gather Equipment. You will need a needle and syringe, antiseptic pads,
adhesive bandages (such as Band-Aid), and an emergency cart. The emergency cart,
which contains equipment and materials to treat a patient in case of anaphylactic shock
and cardiac arrest, should be available in the immediate area. IAW AR 40-562, an
anaphylaxis tray with specific contents must be maintained in every room where
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2-2