parenteral

• injections are given at a 90-degree angle.
• Parenteral administration is the injection or infusion of medications through a needle or catheter inserted into the body.
• Parenteral medications are given through a route other than the alimentary canal.
• Intradermal administration is the administration of medications into the capillary-rich layer just below the epidermis at a 0-15 degree angle.
• Intradermal administration is used for skin tests, local anesthesia, diagnostic tests, immunizations.
• Drugs are absorbed slowly from this site.
• The dosage of a drug contained in a small quantity of solution (0.01 to 0.1 ml) is administered through the intradermal route.
• The intradermal route of administration is used for diagnostic and allergy skin testing.
• Insulin, designed specially for use with the ordered dose of insulin, is available in a pre-filled single dose syringe.
• Tuberculin-narrow syringe, used to administer small or precise doses such as pediatric dosages.
• Should be used for doses of 0.5ml or less.
• A severe local reaction may occur if a patient is allergic or has prior exposure to a testing antigen.
• Subcutaneous administration is the administration of medications below the skin into the subcutaneous fat, outside of the upper arm, top of the thigh, lower portion of each side of the abdomen, not into grossly adipose, hardened, inflamed, or swollen tissue.
• Subcutaneous injections often have a longer onset of action and a longer duration of action compared with IM or IV injection.
• In lean older patients with less tissue and obese patients with more tissue, the syringe should be held at more of a 90-degree angle for subcutaneous injections.
• Commonly used sites for intradermal injections are the inner aspect of the forearm, upper chest, and upper back beneath the scapula.
• The correct length of needle for subcutaneous injections is determined by a skin pinch in the injection area.
• The proper length of needle for subcutaneous injections is one half the thickness of the pinch.
• Insulin is given using 28- to 30-gauge short needles in a special syringe that measures in units.
• Insulin is administered following a plan for site rotation to avoid or minimize local skin reactions.
• Epinephrine (or adrenaline) is used for emergency asthmatic attacks or allergic reactions.
• Heparin or low molecular-weight heparins are used to prevent blood clots.
• IV injections and infusions are introduced directly into the bloodstream and must be free of air bubbles and particulate matter.
• Parenteral route promotes rapid drug absorption and provides an alternate route when drug is irritating to subcutaneous tissue.
• Parenteral route does not irritate the digestive system.
• Parenteral route is an effective route for drug delivery when the patients physical or mental state would make other routes difficult.
• Z-track technique is used for highly irritating, viscous solutions to reduce leakage, pain and irritation to prevent seepage of medication.
• Injections are administered at a 90-degree angle to avoid hitting a vein, artery, or nerve.
• Parenteral route is used to administer antibiotics, vitamins, iron, vaccines.
• Parenteral route can deliver a precise dose to a targeted area of the body.
• Intravenous (IV) injections are administered at a 15- to 20-degree angle and are a fast-acting route because the drug goes directly into the bloodstream.
• Absorption of drug by IM route is unpredictable and not recommended for patients who are unconscious or in a shock-like state.
• For children and some adults, IM injections are given into the deltoid muscles of the shoulders.
• In adults, IM injections are given into the upper, outer portion of the gluteus maximus, a large muscle on either side of the buttocks.
• Introduction of air or particles might cause embolism, blockage in a vessel, or severe painful reaction at the injection site.
• IV injections are commonly used for fluid and electrolyte replacement and to provide necessary nutrition to the patient who is critically ill.
• The IV route can provide fluids, electrolytes, and nutrition for patients who cannot take food or have serious problems with the GI tract.
• The IM and subcutaneous routes of administration are practical for use outside the hospital.
• The nurse must ensure that the syringe tip, inside of the barrel, shaft and rubber plunger tip and shaft of the needle are kept sterile.
• The IV route is the fastest method for delivering systemic drugs.