Which parameter should guide the nurse when administering a subcutaneous injection?
a. Do not give injections in edematous areas.
b. Attach a clean 1-inch needle to the syringe.
c. The maximum volume injected into one site is 2 milliliters.
d. Do not pinch up tissue before inserting the needle.
A
Subcutaneous injections should never be given in areas of edema because absorption is unreliable. A short (no more than 5/8 inch) needle should be used to deposit medication into subcutaneous tissue. Volumes for subcutaneous injections are small, usually averaging 0.5 milliliters. The skin is pinched up for a subcutaneous injection to raise the fatty tissue away from the muscle.
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