need help with B-12 injection

chunnice · Sep 9, 2005

It's given Im. You could check with Pharmacy or your nursing supervisor..and of course the MD.

Laura

chunnice · Sep 9, 2005

The size I have used.. needle 22g 1 to 1 and 1/2 depending on the size of patient. I think I would get that order clarified before I gave it.

Laura

ladylynx · Sep 9, 2005

My title is based on an answer given by a 100 year old when I asked her how did she get to be 100 years old. But back to the question...there apparently is in various literature, including the physicians and the nursing drug books that talk about deep subcutaneous. Here is one reference I found online http://www.medicinenet.com/cyanocobalamin-injection/article.htm

In the past, I have had to give it subcutaneous before, but did not quite no the reason since when I too looked it up years ago, the references stated that it could be done.

moni in IA · Sep 9, 2005

My title is based on an answer given by a 100 year old when I asked her how did she get to be 100 years old. But back to the question...there apparently is in various literature, including the physicians and the nursing drug books that talk about deep subcutaneous. Here is one reference I found online http://www.medicinenet.com/cyanocobalamin-injection/article.htm
In the past, I have had to give it subcutaneous before, but did not quite no the reason since when I too looked it up years ago, the references stated that it could be done.

Thank you so much for all your help! I did finally double check the order & it is deep sub Q. I really appreciate the help!

moni in IA · Sep 9, 2005

B12 is IM...give myself them all the time. Depending on the location and size of the person, a 1"-11/2 inch needle is used. Use the z-track method so that the medicine absorbs better and not follow back up the "hole" you created by the needle. Also, putting an airbubble helps keep the medicine from escaping.
I use a TB syringe or a 3cc syringe if I cannot find another syring, and use a 23 or 25 guage needle, since B12 is not thick. Hope this helps, rather than confuse you.
arcticnurse82

Thanks!