- Identify and check for the right patient, right medication, right time, right dose, ensure patient’s right to know/consent and to refuse.
- Explain procedure to patient and provide privacy.
- Prepare and take tray to patient’s bedside.
- Check details again with patient’s treatment sheet.
- Wash and dry hands.
- Assemble syringe and needle using sterile technique.
- File and break ampoule or remove metal cap of vial with a clean swab, draw medication and discard.
- Replace needle with a new one and expel air.
- Assist patient into a required position and expose site for injection.
- Clean injection site dipped in antiseptic solution (i.e. upper outer quadrant for buttocks and outer aspect for thigh).
- Insert the needle quickly and firmly deep into the muscle at right angle.
- Withdraw piston a little to ensure needle is not in the blood vessel (if blood appears withdraw needle).
- Push to release medication into the tissue.
- Withdraw the syringe and needle quickly and with a swab gently apply pressure to the site of injection.
- Discard syringe and needle into a safety box.
- Thank patient and leave him/her comfortable in bed.
- Wash and dry hands, document any findings and sign treatment chart.