1. Confirm the medication order. Check the dispensed medication with the order. 2. Gather supplies, wash your hands and prepare the syringe. 3. Identify the patient. Explain the injection order and procedure to the patient. 4. Wash your hands. 5. Continue to explain the procedure to the patient step-by-step as you choose an appropriate site and prep the patient for privacy. Prepare your supplies. Open swabs and a Band-Aid. 6. Don gloves. Swab the injection site with an alcohol pad. Swab in a circular motion outward from the intended site 5 cm. Allow the alcohol to dry. 7. Spread the tissue taut with your non-dominant hand. Have the patient relax and take a deep breath. As he inhales, insert the needle at a 90 degree angle in a quick dart-like motion. 8. Hold the syringe barrel with your non- dominant hand and draw upwards on the plunger. If you aspirate blood, withdraw the needle and prepare a new syringe. 9. If no blood returns, inject the medication at a slow steady rate to minimize discomfort. 10. When all of the medication has been injected, quickly withdraw the needle and apply pressure to the injection site with a fresh alcohol pad. This helps prevent medication from seeping back into subcutaneous tissue. Some medications may recommend massaging the injection site for 1-2 minutes, but for some this may be contraindicated. 11. Apply Band-Aid if needed. 12. Discard the syringe according to protocol. Never recap the needle. 13. Doff gloves and wash your hands. 14. Assess patient for response to the injection. 15. Document: time, medication, dose, route, site and patient’s response to injection. 16. Notify the practitioner immediately of any untoward response or reaction.10. When all of the medication has been injected, quickly withdraw the needle and apply pressure to the injection site with a fresh alcohol pad. This helps prevent medication from seeping back into subcutaneous tissue. Some medications may recommend massaging the injection site for 1-2 minutes, but for some this may be contraindicated. Source
