Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name: Use of sterile syringe with needle
• Technical/Medical Term: A4208: Syringe with needle, sterile 3 cc, each

Summary

Using a sterile syringe with a needle is a common medical task used to deliver medications directly into the body. This procedure ensures that the medication is administered accurately and safely into the body, whether it be into a muscle, vein, or under the skin.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions Addressed: Administration of medications, vaccines, or drawing blood for tests.
• Goals and Outcomes: To deliver medication directly to the bloodstream or target tissue accurately and safely, and to ensure proper dosage.

Indications

• Symptoms/Conditions: Requiring injections for medications, vaccines, or blood tests.
• Patient Criteria: Individuals needing precise dosages of medication administered directly.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions: Clean the injection site with alcohol. If fasting or medication adjustments are needed based on the medication to be administered, follow the specific instructions provided by healthcare practitioners.
• Diagnostic Tests: None typically required; however, follow any specific instructions related to the medication being injected.

Procedure Description

1. Step-by-Step Explanation:
   1. Gather all necessary supplies: sterile syringe, needle, medication vial, alcohol swab, and gloves.
   2. Clean hands thoroughly and put on gloves.
   3. Clean the top of the medication vial with an alcohol swab.
   4. Draw air into the syringe equal to the medication dose.
   5. Insert the needle into the vial and push the air in.
   6. Draw the prescribed amount of medication into the syringe.
   7. Remove air bubbles from the syringe.
   8. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab.
   9. Inject medication at the appropriate site (intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous).
   10. Dispose of the syringe and needle safely in a sharps container.
       • Tools and Equipment: Sterile syringe and needle, alcohol swabs, medication vial, gloves, and sharps container.
       • Anesthesia or Sedation: Not typically required for simple injections.

Duration

• Typical Time: A few minutes.

Setting

• Location: Hospital, outpatient clinic, doctor’s office, or at home under medical guidance.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals Involved: Nurses, doctors, or other trained healthcare providers.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Minor pain or discomfort at the injection site, slight bleeding, or bruising.
• Rare Risks: Infection, allergic reaction, or incorrect dosage administration.
• Management: Apply an antiseptic, monitor for allergic reactions, and ensure correct dosage.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Accurate and timely delivery of medication, quick onset of medication effects.
• Realization Time: Almost immediate for intravenous injections; within minutes to hours for intramuscular or subcutaneous injections.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care: Monitor the injection site for any signs of infection or adverse reaction.
• Recovery Time: Usually immediate with minimal restrictions.
• Follow-up: As needed based on the medication administered.

Alternatives

• Other Options: Oral medication, transdermal patches, or other routes of administration.
• Pros and Cons: Oral medications have a slower onset and bioavailability; transdermal patches may be unsuitable for rapid action medications.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Mild discomfort or pain during the needle insertion.
• After Procedure: Site may be sore or bruised; typically minimal discomfort.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers if needed, as recommended by healthcare providers.