Route of Medicine Administration

1. Parenteral

2. Intradermal = skin testing and vaccination
= 25 - 29 gauge
= 1/2, 5/8, 3/5 needle length
= parallel to the clients skin ( 10 - 15 degrees )
= no massage

3. Subcutaneous(SQ) = purpose: slow absorbtion
= insulin, heparin, pain meds., vaccination
= 25 - 29 gauge
= needle length: < / less than 1 inch
= angle: it depends upon the client's adiposity, normally 45 degrees
obese: 90 degrees
length of the needle (insulin syringe): 90 degrees
= massage: depends
heparin x
insulin x
vaccine x
pain meds: yes

Insulin: administer at room temp.
= do not shake
= rotate to prevent lipodystrophy
= unit: unit

4. Intramuscular(IM) = Faster than the subcutaneous but slower than the I.V.
= can accomodate large amount of medicine: 3-5ml
deltoid: 0.5 - 2ml
= gauge: 20 - 24
= length: > 1 inch
= clean with alcohol
= angle: 90 degrees
= Aspirate: yes
= slowly administer meds
= Z-tract for higly irritating meds.