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Subcutaneous injection technique: an evidence-based approach

Sherri Ogston-Tuck Senior lecturer, adult nursing, Institute of Health and Society, University of Worcester, Worcester

Injections are routinely administered by nurses in acute care settings and in the community. Nurses require a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology, pharmacological principles and equipment, and potential risks to the patient of injections. Nurses should also take an active approach to patient assessment before injecting medicines. This article, the first of two, provides an evidence-based review of injection administration, with particular reference to subcutaneous injections, and suggests a framework for best practice.

Nursing Standard. 29, 3, 53-58. doi: 10.7748/ns.29.3.53.e9183

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

Received: 27 May 2014

Accepted: 04 July 2014

Keywords :

clinical procedures - clinical skills - injections - intramuscular injections - medication - medicines - medicines management - patient assessment - patient safety - care standards - clinical guidelines - evidence-based practice