Question?

Jan 17, 2009 02:53 PM

by thatsforreal

Hello, I am sorry to be such a bother but I am having the hardest time trying to find out when you give medication to a pt subQ, what size gauge and inch should be used? Also what is the maximum amount of medication to be given subQ? On this question I'm getting two answers: One is 3 ml and one is 5 ml. I don't know if I'm over reading the material in my book or what? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

GingerSue · Jan 17, 2009, 05:38 PM

Re: Question?

#25 gauge needle, 3/8 or 5/8 inch long.
The book that I'm looking at says to use a 2-mL syringe.

*truern* · Jan 17, 2009, 08:05 PM

Re: Question?

Originally Posted by thatsforreal

Hello, I am sorry to be such a bother but I am having the hardest time trying to find out when you give medication to a pt subQ, what size gauge and inch should be used? Also what is the maximum amount of medication to be given subQ? On this question I'm getting two answers: One is 3 ml and one is 5 ml. I don't know if I'm over reading the material in my book or what? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Only give up to 1ml subq. Imagine how much volume is in 3ml and 5ml...now imagine giving those amounts in anything less than a muscle

*Daytonite* · Jan 18, 2009, 10:56 AM

The two most common medications that are given subcutaneously are Insulin and Heparin but there are others. I am mentioning these in order to give you a point of reference.

When do you give medication to a pt subQ, what size gauge and inch should be used?

Needles are 25g to 27g.
3/8 inch to 1/2 inch.

Also what is the maximum amount of medication to be given subQ?

My reference says 0.5 to 2 mL of nonirritating fluid can be injected. (Nurse's 5-Minute Clinical Consult: Procedures)

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