How to Give a Subq Subcutaneous Injection Shot

Summary

In this instructional video, Sarah from RegisterNurse.com demonstrates how to safely and effectively administer a subcutaneous (subQ) injection, using insulin on a mannequin. She explains the difference between subQ and intramuscular injections, outlines proper site selection—focusing on the abdomen, arms, and legs—and emphasizes the importance of hand hygiene and clean technique. Viewers are guided step-by-step through preparing the medication, cleaning the injection site, pinching the skin, inserting the needle at a 90° angle, and safely disposing of the syringe. The video is designed to make subQ injections easy to learn for nursing students and healthcare professionals, offering practical tips for success.

Takeaways

• 💉 A subcutaneous (subq) injection is administered into the fatty layer beneath the skin, unlike intramuscular injections which go into muscle.
• 🧴 Common medications given subcutaneously include heparin, insulin, and Lovenox.
• 👩‍⚕️ The abdomen is a common site for subq injections, though the back of the arms and thighs are also options.
• 📏 When giving an abdominal injection, stay about 2 inches away from the umbilical area.
• 🗓 Always ask the patient where the last injection was given to avoid repeating the same site.
• 🧼 Clean the injection site with an alcohol prep using a circular motion for 3–5 seconds.
• 🧤 Clean gloves are sufficient; this is not a sterile procedure.
• ✋ Pinch the skin to grasp the fat and insert the needle at a 90° angle, similar to throwing a dart.
• 💉 After administering the injection, withdraw the needle, engage the safety mechanism, and dispose of it in a sharps container.
• 👍 With practice, subq injections are simple and quick to perform.
• 📹 Additional resources and videos are available on RegisterNurseRN.com for learning IVs and IM injections.

Q & A

What is a subcutaneous (subq) injection?

A subcutaneous injection is an injection that goes into the fat layer under the skin, rather than into a muscle, which is how an intramuscular injection is administered.

Which medications are commonly given via subcutaneous injection?

Medications such as heparin, insulin, and Lovenox are commonly administered through subcutaneous injections.

What areas of the body can be used for subcutaneous injections?

Subcutaneous injections can be given in the abdomen, the back of the arms, or the fatty area of the legs.

Why is it important to ask the patient where the last injection was given?

It is important to avoid injecting into the same spot repeatedly to prevent tissue damage or irritation.

How far from the umbilical area should an abdominal subcutaneous injection be given?

The injection should be given approximately 2 inches away from the umbilical area.

What preparation steps should be taken before giving a subcutaneous injection?

The steps include performing hand hygiene, wearing clean gloves, preparing the medication, using a subcutaneous needle, and cleaning the injection site with an alcohol prep.

How should the injection site be cleaned?

The site should be cleaned with an alcohol prep in a circular motion for 3 to 5 seconds. The procedure is clean, not sterile.

What technique should be used to administer the injection?

Pinch the fat at the injection site and insert the needle at a 90-degree angle like throwing a dart. No aspiration is needed for subcutaneous injections.

What should be done immediately after the injection?

Withdraw the needle, engage the safety mechanism, and dispose of the needle in a sharps container.

Why is practice important when learning to give subcutaneous injections?

While the injection is simple, proper technique takes some practice to perform safely and effectively.