{"id":2944,"date":"2015-06-01T04:35:43","date_gmt":"2015-06-01T04:35:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=2944"},"modified":"2021-06-09T15:45:48","modified_gmt":"2021-06-09T15:45:48","slug":"safe-injection-administration-and-preparing-medication-from-ampules-and-vials","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/chapter\/safe-injection-administration-and-preparing-medication-from-ampules-and-vials\/","title":{"raw":"7.2 Parenteral Medications and Preparing Medications from Ampules and Vials","rendered":"7.2 Parenteral Medications and Preparing Medications from Ampules and Vials"},"content":{"raw":"Parenteral refers to the path by which medication comes in contact with the body. <strong>Parenteral medications<\/strong> enter the body by injection through\u00a0the tissue and circulatory system. Injection medications are absorbed more quickly and are used with patients who are nauseated, vomiting, restricted from taking oral fluids, or unable to swallow. Parenteral medications can be effective and safe when prepared and administered correctly. However, because they are invasive and absorbed readily and quickly into the body, there are numerous risks associated with administering them (Perry et al., 2014).\r\n\r\nThere are four routes for parenteral medications (also see Figure 7.1). Each type of injection requires a specific skill set to ensure the medication is prepared properly and administered into the correct location (Perry et al., 2014). The four types of injections are:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Subcutaneous (SC):<\/strong>\u00a0This injection places medication\/solution the loose connective tissue just under the dermis.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Intradermal (ID):\u00a0<\/strong>This injection places the medication into the dermis just under the epidermis.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Intramuscular (IM):\u00a0<\/strong>This\u00a0injection places the medication into the body of a muscle.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Intravenous (IV):\u00a0<\/strong>This\u00a0injection places the medication\/solution into a vein through an existing IV line or a short venous access device (saline lock). Medications given by the intravenous route can be given as an IV bolus, as an intermittent (piggyback) medication, or in a large volume continuous infusion.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5535\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"399\"]<a href=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/needle-insertion-angles-1.png\"><img class=\"wp-image-5535 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/needle-insertion-angles-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"399\" height=\"431\" \/><\/a> <a id=\"figure7-1\"><\/a>Figure 7.1: Insertion angles[\/caption]\r\n\r\nTo administer parenteral medications\u00a0safely, it is imperative to understand how to prevent an infection, prevent medication errors, prevent a needle-stick injury, and prevent discomfort to the patient. Tables 7.1 to 7.4 address specific practices to eliminate safety hazards to patients and health care workers.\r\n<h2>Preventing Infection During an Injection<\/h2>\r\nAccording to Seigel et al, (2007), research has shown that unsafe injection practices have resulted in patient exposure to infections leading to outbreaks of infectious diseases. These unnecessary exposures were the result of deficient health care practices. Injectable medications must be given in a safe manner to maintain sterility of equipment and prevent the transmission of infectious diseases between patients and health care workers. Table 7.1 summarizes how to prevent an infection during an injection.\r\n<table style=\"height: 571px;\" border=\"1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0)\" width=\"100%\"><caption>Table 7.1 Preventing Infection During an Injection<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/caption>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000; text-align: left;\" colspan=\"4\">\r\n<h5>Safety consideration:<\/h5>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Always follow the principles of sterile technique when preparing injections.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\r\n<h4>Principle<\/h4>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\r\n<h4>\u00a0Additional Information<\/h4>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\"><a href=\"\/clinicalskills\/chapter\/1-6-hand-hygiene\/\">Perform hand hygiene<\/a>.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Always <a href=\"\/clinicalskills\/chapter\/1-6-hand-hygiene\/\">perform hand hygiene<\/a> before administration and after removing gloves. For hand hygiene with ABHR, use 1 to 2 pumps of product; this volume requires a minimum of 15 seconds for hands to dry.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5575\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"216\"]<a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/DSC_1581.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-5575\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/DSC_1581-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"Hand hygiene with ABHR\" width=\"216\" height=\"143\" \/><\/a> Hand hygiene with ABHR[\/caption]<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Prevent needle\/syringe contamination.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Keep sterile parts of the needle and syringe sterile. Avoid letting the needle touch unsterile surfaces such as the outer edges of the ampule or vial, surface of the needle cap, or counter. Always keep the needle covered with a cap when not in use, and use the scoop-cap method to avoid needle-stick injuries. Avoid touching the length of the plunger. Keep the tip of the syringe sterile by covering with a cap or needle.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_6137\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/labelled-syringe-3.png\"><img class=\"wp-image-6137 size-medium\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/labelled-syringe-3-300x191.png\" alt=\"Parts of a Syringe and Needle\" width=\"300\" height=\"191\" \/><\/a> Parts of a syringe and needle[\/caption]<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Prepare patient's skin.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Wash the patient's skin with soap and water when it is soiled with dirt, drainage, or fecal matter\/urine. Follow agency policy for skin preparation. When using an alcohol swab, use a circular motion to rub the area for 15 seconds, and then let the area dry for 30 seconds. If cleaning a site, move from the centre of the site outward in a 5 cm (2 in.) radius.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Prevent contamination of solution.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Use single-dose vials\/ampules whenever possible. Do not keep multi-dose vials in patient treatment area. Discard if sterility is compromised or questionable. Do not combine and administer medications from single-dose vials or ampules for later use.\u00a0Ampules should not sit open and should be used immediately, then discarded appropriately.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Use new, sterile sterile equipment with each injection.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Single use syringe and needle must be used with each patient. Always inspect packaging for intactness; inspect for dryness, rips, torn corners and expiry date. If single use equipment is not available, use syringes and needles designed for steam sterilization.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"4\">Data source: CDC, 2015; Hutin et al., 2003; Perry et al., 2014; Provincial Infectious Disease Advisory Committee, 2014; Siegel et al., 2007.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h2>Safe Medication Administration<\/h2>\r\nMedication errors have a substantial impact on health care in Canada (Butt, 2010). When preparing and administering medication, and assessing patients after receiving medication, always follow agency policy to ensure safe practice. Review Table 7.2 for guidelines for safe medication administration.\r\n<table style=\"height: 571px;\" border=\"1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0)\" width=\"100%\"><caption>Table 7.2 Guidelines for Safe Medication\u00a0Administration<\/caption>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000; text-align: left;\" colspan=\"4\">\r\n<h5>Safety consideration:<\/h5>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Agency policy on medication administration and on the medication administration record (MAR) may vary. Always receive the required training on the use of each agency's medication system to avoid preventable errors.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\r\n<h4>Principle<\/h4>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\r\n<h4>\u00a0Additional Information<\/h4>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Be vigilant when preparing medications.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Avoid distractions. Some agencies have a no-interruption zone (NIZ), where health care providers can prepare medications without interruptions.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Check for allergies.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Always ask patient about allergies, types of reactions, and severity of reactions.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Use two patient identifiers at all times. Always follow agency policy for patient identification.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Use at least two patient identifiers before administration AND compare against the medication administration record (MAR).<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Assessment comes before medication administration.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">All medications require an assessment (review of lab values, pain, respiratory or cardiac assessment, etc.) prior to medication administration to ensure the patient is receiving the correct medication for the correct reason.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Be diligent in all medication calculations.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Errors in medication calculations have contributed to dosage errors, especially when adjusting or titrating dosages.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Avoid reliance on memory; use checklists and memory aids.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Slips in memory are caused by lack of attention, fatigue, and distractions. Mistakes are often referred to as attentional behaviours, and they account for most errors in health care. If possible, follow a standard list of steps for every patient.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Communicate with your patient before and after administration.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Provide information to patient about the medication before administering it. Answer questions regarding usage, dose, and special considerations. Give the patient the opportunity to ask questions. Include family members if appropriate.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Avoid workarounds.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">A workaround<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>is a process that bypasses a procedure, policy, or problem in a system. For example, nurses may \"borrow\" a medication from another patient while waiting for an order to be filled by the pharmacy. These workarounds fail to follow agency policies that ensure safe medication practices.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Ensure medication has not expired.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Medication may be inactive if expired.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Always clarify an order or procedure that is unclear.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Always ask for help whenever you are uncertain or unclear about an order. Consult with the pharmacist, charge nurse, or other health care providers and be sure to resolve all questions before proceeding with medication administration.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Use available technology to administer medications.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Bar-code scanning (eMAR) has decreased errors in administration by 51%, and computerized physician orders have decreased errors by 81%. Technology has the potential to help decrease errors. Use technology when administering medications, but be aware of technology-induced errors.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Report all near misses, errors, and adverse reactions.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Reporting allows for analysis and identification of potential errors, which can lead to improvements and sharing of information for safer patient care.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Be alert to error-prone situations and high-alert medications.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">High-alert medications are those\u00a0that are most likely to cause significant harm, even when used as intended.\u00a0The most common high-alert medications are\u00a0anticoagulants, narcotics and opiates, insulins, and sedatives. The types of harm most commonly associated with these medications include hypotension, respiratory depression, delirium, bleeding, hypoglycemia, bradycardia, and lethargy.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">If a patient questions or expresses concern regarding a medication,\u00a0stop and do not administer it.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">If a patient questions a medication, stop and explore the patient's concerns, review the physician's order, and, if necessary, notify the practitioner in charge of the patient.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"4\">Data source:\u00a0Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2014;\u00a0Canadian Patient Safety Institute, 2012;\u00a0Debono et al., 2013;\u00a0Institute for Healthcare Improvement, 2015;\u00a0National Patient Safety Agency, 2009;\u00a0National Priority Partnership, 2010; Prakash, et al., 2014<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h2>Promoting Safety and Comfort of a Patient During an Injection<\/h2>\r\nInjections can be given safely and effectively, and harm can be prevented if proper injection technique is used. Most complications related to injections are associated with intramuscular injections, but may occur with any route. Complications can occur when an incorrect site is used, or with an inappropriate depth or rate of injection (Malkin, 2008). To promote patient safety and comfort during an injection, review the guidelines in Table 7.3.\r\n<table style=\"width: 100%;\" border=\"1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0)\"><caption>Table 7.3 Promoting Patient Safety and Comfort During an Injection<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/caption>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Principle<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>\u00a0Additional Information<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Correct needle<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">For injections, use a sharp, beveled needle and place bevel side up. Change the needle if liquid coats the shaft of the needle. Correct needle length allows for correct delivery of medication into the correct site and can reduce complications such as abscesses, pain, and bruising. Needle selection should be based on size of patient, gender, injection site, and amount of medication injected. Women tend to have more adipose tissue around the buttocks and deltoid fat pad, which means more than half the injections given do not reach the proper IM depths in women. Large bore needles have been found to reduce pain, swelling, and redness after an injection, as less pressure is required to depress the plunger.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Proper angle of insertion and removal (see <a href=\"#figure7-1\">Figure 7.1<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Inserting the needle at the proper angle (depending on the type of injection) and entering the skin smoothly and quickly can reduce pain during injection. Hold the syringe steady once the needle is in the tissue to prevent tissue damage. Withdraw the needle at the same angle used for insertion. The angle for an IM injection is 90 degrees. With all injections, the needle should be inserted all the way up to the hub. Holding the syringe like a dart prevents the medication from being injected during insertion of needle. Removing residue (medication on the tip of the needle) has been shown to reduce pain and discomfort. To remove residue from the needle, change needles after preparation and before administration.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Patient position<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">The patient's position may affect their perception of pain. Proper position will also facilitate proper landmarking of the site. For IM injections, for example, the ventrogluteal site has the greatest muscle thickness and is free of nerves and blood vessels, with a small layer of fat.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Relaxation technique and distraction methods<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Position the patient's limbs in a relaxed, comfortable position to reduce muscle tension. For example, lying prone may help a patient relax prior to an IM injection. If giving a deltoid IM injection, have the patient relax the arm by placing the hand in the lap. If a patient is receiving an IM injection in the vastus lateralis or ventrogluteal site, encourage the patient to gently point toes outwards to relax the muscle. Relaxation skills of the health care provider will help decrease the patient's anxiety-heightened pain. If possible, divert the patient's attention away from the injection procedure.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Pre-medication, if required<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">To decrease pain upon insertion, a vapocoolant spray, topical anesthetic, or wrapped ice may be placed on the insertion site for a minute prior to injection. For IM injections, two studies found that applying pressure to the injection site for 10 seconds before the injection reduced pain. This data supports the gate theory of pain control.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Z-track method for IM injections<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Some research shows that the Z-track technique results in reduced pain and complications, and fewer injection lesions. However, other research shows that Z-track injections result in more pain and bleeding at the injection site. (See 7.4 Intramuscular Injections for more on the Z-track method.)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Administration rate<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Research has found that administrating medications at 10 seconds per ml is an effective rate for IM injections. Increasing the rate to 20 seconds per ml did not show any reduction in pain. Always review drug administration rate as per pharmacy or manufacturer\u2019s recommendations.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Gentle touch with insertion sites<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Gently apply a dry sterile gauze to the site after the injection. Rotate injection sites to prevent the development of indurations and abscesses.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Aspiration with IM injections<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Review the latest research regarding the utility of aspirating IM injections. There is lack of strong evidence to support the technique of aspiration with IM injections.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"4\">Data source: A\u011fac &amp; G\u00fcnes, 2011; Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health, 2014; Cocoman &amp; Murray, 2008; Greenway, 2014; Hunter, 2008; Malkin, 2008; Mitchell &amp; Whitney, 2001; Nisbit, 2006; Ogston-Tuck, 2014a; Perry et al., 2014; Rodgers &amp; King, 2000; Sisson, 2015; Workman, 1999<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h2>Preventing Needle-Stick Injuries<\/h2>\r\nHealth care providers can be at risk for needle-stick injuries in any health care setting. The most common places for needle-stick injuries to occur are in the operating room and patient rooms. Tasks that place the health care provider at risk include recapping needles and mishandling IV lines. Table 7.4 provides guidelines to prevent needle-stick injuries.\r\n<table style=\"width: 100%;\" border=\"1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0)\"><caption>Table 7.4 Recommendations for Prevention of Needle-Stick Injuries<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/caption>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Principle<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>\u00a0Additional Information<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Avoid recapping needles.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Recapping needles has led to the transmission of infection. If possible, always use devices with safety features -- i.e., safety shield.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Dispose of the needle immediately after injection.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Immediately dispose of used needles in a sharps disposal container (puncture-proof and leak-proof) to avoid unsafe disposal of a sharp.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Reduce or eliminate all hazards related to needles.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Avoid using needles if possible. Use a needle only when performing an SC, ID, or IM injection. Use a needleless system and engineered safety devices for prevention of needle-stick injuries.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Plan disposal of sharps before injection.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Plan the safe handling and disposal of needles before beginning a procedure that requires a sharp needle. Bring sharps container close to the bedside prior to injection. Sharps containers should be at eye level and within arm's reach.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Follow all standard policies related to prevention \/ treatment of injury.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Follow all agency policies regarding infection control, hand hygiene, standard and <a href=\"\/clinicalskills\/chapter\/1-8-masks\/\">additional precautions<\/a>, and blood and body fluid exposure management.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Report all injuries.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Report all needle-stick injuries and sharp-related injuries immediately. Data collected regarding the nature of injuries help guide needle-stick prevention strategies for new practices and devices. Review how to manage needle-stick injuries and follow agency policy regarding exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Policies help decrease the risk of contracting a blood-borne illness.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Participate in required training and education.<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Attend training on injury-prevention strategies related to needles and safety devices as per agency policy. Participate in and evaluate the selection of safety devices, and report known needle-stick hazards to managers.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\r\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"4\">Data source: American Nurses Association, 2002; Centers for Disease Control, 2012; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1999; Perry et al., 2014; Pratt et al., 2007; Wilburn, 2004; Wilburn &amp; Eijkemans, 2004<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h2>Preparing Medications from Ampules and Vials<\/h2>\r\nSpecific equipment, such as syringes and needles, is required to prepare and administer parenteral medications. The selection of the syringe and needle is based on the type and location of injection; amount, quality, and type of medication; and the body size of the patient. Many syringes come with needleless systems or needles with safety shields to prevent injuries (Perry et al., 2014).\u00a0Aseptic technique is paramount to the preparation and administration of these medications.\r\n\r\nParenteral medications are supplied in sterile vials, ampules, and prefilled syringes. <strong>Ampules <\/strong>are glass containers in 1 ml to 10 ml sizes that\u00a0hold a single dose of medication in liquid form. They are made of glass and have a scored neck to indicate where to break the ampule (see Figure 7.2). Medication is withdrawn using a syringe and a filter needle. A blunt fill needle with filter (see Figure 7.3) must be used when withdrawing medication to prevent glass particles from being drawn up into the syringe (see Figure 7.4). Never use a filter needle to inject medication (Perry et al.,\u00a02014).\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_6661\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/preparing-an-ampule-1.png\"><img class=\"wp-image-6661 size-medium\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/preparing-an-ampule-1-300x144.png\" alt=\"Preparing medication from an ampule\" width=\"300\" height=\"144\" \/><\/a> Figure 7.2 Breaking open an ampule[\/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_6822\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/10\/Oct-2-2015-009.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-6822 size-medium\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/10\/Oct-2-2015-009-300x137.jpg\" alt=\"Oct 2, 2015 009\" width=\"300\" height=\"137\" \/><\/a> Figure 7.3 Blunt fill needle with filter[\/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_6823\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/10\/Oct-2-2015-010.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-6823\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/10\/Oct-2-2015-010-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"Using a blunt filter needle with an ampule\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" \/><\/a> Figure 7.4 Using a blunt fill needle with filter with an ampule[\/caption]\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.atitesting.com\/ati_next_gen\/skillsmodules\/content\/medication-administration-3\/equipment\/ampules.html\">Read this information about\u00a0ampules<\/a> to review how to prepare medication from an ampule.<\/div>\r\n<h3><a id=\"video7.1\"><\/a>Video 7.1<\/h3>\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Watch the video\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/barabus.tru.ca\/nursing\/Prepare_MedsAmpoule.html\"><em>Preparing a Medication from an Ampule<\/em><\/a>\u00a0by\u00a0<a href=\"\/clinicalskills\/back-matter\/appendix-3\/\">Ren\u00e9e Anderson &amp; Wendy McKenzie<\/a>, Thompson Rivers University.<\/div>\r\nA <strong>vial<\/strong>\u00a0is a single- or multi-dose plastic container with a rubber seal top, covered by a metal or plastic cap (see Figure 7.5). A single-use vial must be discarded after one use; a multi-dose vial must be labelled with the date it was opened. Check hospital policy to see how long an open vial may be used. The vial is a closed system, and air must be injected into the vial to permit the removal of the solution (Perry et al., 2014) (see Figure 7.6).\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_6044\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-620.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-6044\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-620-300x245.jpg\" alt=\"Preparing medications from an ampoule\" width=\"300\" height=\"245\" \/><\/a> Figure 7.5 Preparing medications from a vial[\/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5999\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"163\"]<a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-527.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-5999 size-medium\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-527-163x300.jpg\" alt=\"Book pictures 2015 527\" width=\"163\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a> Figure 7.6 Vial with safety needle inserted[\/caption]\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.atitesting.com\/ati_next_gen\/skillsmodules\/content\/medication-administration-3\/equipment\/vials.html\">Read this information about\u00a0vials<\/a> to review how to prepare medication from a vial and reconstitute medication.<\/div>\r\n<h3><a id=\"video7.2\"><\/a>Video 7.2<\/h3>\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Watch the video\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/barabus.tru.ca\/nursing\/Prepare_MedsVial.html\"><em>Preparing Medications from a Vial<\/em><\/a>\u00a0by\u00a0<a href=\"\/clinicalskills\/back-matter\/appendix-3\/\">Ren\u00e9e Anderson &amp; Wendy McKenzie<\/a>, Thompson Rivers University.<\/div>\r\nA<strong> syringe <\/strong>(see Figure 7.7)is a sterile, single-use device that has a Luer lock (see Figure 7.8) or non-Luer lock tip, which influences the name of the syringe. Syringes come in various sizes from 0.5 ml to 60 ml. Syringes may come with or without a sterile needle and will have a safety shield on the needle.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5534\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"388\"]<a href=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/labelled-syringe-2.png\"><img class=\"wp-image-5534 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/labelled-syringe-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"388\" height=\"247\" \/><\/a> Figure 7.7 Labelled syringe[\/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5987\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"263\"]<a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-510.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5987\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-510-263x300.jpg\" alt=\"Luer lock needle \" width=\"263\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a> Figure 7.8 Luer lock needle[\/caption]\r\n\r\nInsulin is only given using an insulin syringe (see Figure 7.9). Insulin is ordered in units. It is important to use the correct syringe and needle for the specific injection. Always examine the measurement scale on the syringe to determine that you have the correct syringe (Lynn, 2011).\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_6012\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-545.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-6012 size-medium\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-545-300x86.jpg\" alt=\"Book pictures 2015 545\" width=\"300\" height=\"86\" \/><\/a> Figure 7.9 Insulin syringe with safety shield[\/caption]\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.atitesting.com\/ati_next_gen\/skillsmodules\/content\/medication-administration-3\/equipment\/syringes.html\">Read this information about\u00a0syringes<\/a> to review the different types of syringes.<\/div>\r\n<strong>Needles<\/strong> are made of stainless steel, are sterile and disposable, and\u00a0come in various lengths and sizes. The needle is made up of the hub, shaft, and bevel. The bevel is the tip of the needle that is slanted to create a slit into the skin. The hub fits onto the tip of the syringe. All three parts must remain sterile at all times. The length of the needle will vary from 1\/8 in. to 3 in., depending on the injection. The <strong>gauge of a needle<\/strong> is the diameter of the needle. Gauges can vary from very small diameter (25 to\u00a029 gauge) to large diameter (18 to\u00a022 gauge). A needle will have its gauge and length marked on the outer packaging; choose the correct gauge and length for the injection ordered (Lynn, 2011) (see Figures 7.10, 7.11, and 7.12).\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.atitesting.com\/ati_next_gen\/skillsmodules\/content\/medication-administration-3\/equipment\/needles.html\">Read this information about\u00a0needles<\/a> to review needles and how to \"scoop cap\".<\/div>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_6138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-560.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-6138\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-560-300x131.jpg\" alt=\"Variety of needles with different gauges and lengths\" width=\"300\" height=\"131\" \/><\/a> Figure 7.10 Variety of needles with different gauges and lengths[\/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_6016\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-563.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-6016\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-563-300x210.jpg\" alt=\"Types of needles with safety shields\" width=\"300\" height=\"210\" \/><\/a> Figure 7.11 Types of needles with safety shields[\/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_6001\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"218\"]<a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-532.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-6001\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-532-218x300.jpg\" alt=\"Needle with safety cap\" width=\"218\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a> Figure 7.12 Needle with safety cap[\/caption]\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--exercises\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Critical Thinking Exercises<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>What are three strategies that can be implemented to reduce distractions while preparing medication?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What are two ways to prevent needle-stick injuries?<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<p>Parenteral refers to the path by which medication comes in contact with the body. <strong>Parenteral medications<\/strong> enter the body by injection through\u00a0the tissue and circulatory system. Injection medications are absorbed more quickly and are used with patients who are nauseated, vomiting, restricted from taking oral fluids, or unable to swallow. Parenteral medications can be effective and safe when prepared and administered correctly. However, because they are invasive and absorbed readily and quickly into the body, there are numerous risks associated with administering them (Perry et al., 2014).<\/p>\n<p>There are four routes for parenteral medications (also see Figure 7.1). Each type of injection requires a specific skill set to ensure the medication is prepared properly and administered into the correct location (Perry et al., 2014). The four types of injections are:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Subcutaneous (SC):<\/strong>\u00a0This injection places medication\/solution the loose connective tissue just under the dermis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Intradermal (ID):\u00a0<\/strong>This injection places the medication into the dermis just under the epidermis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Intramuscular (IM):\u00a0<\/strong>This\u00a0injection places the medication into the body of a muscle.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Intravenous (IV):\u00a0<\/strong>This\u00a0injection places the medication\/solution into a vein through an existing IV line or a short venous access device (saline lock). Medications given by the intravenous route can be given as an IV bolus, as an intermittent (piggyback) medication, or in a large volume continuous infusion.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5535\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5535\" style=\"width: 399px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/needle-insertion-angles-1.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5535 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/needle-insertion-angles-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"399\" height=\"431\" srcset=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/needle-insertion-angles-1.png 399w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/needle-insertion-angles-1-278x300.png 278w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/needle-insertion-angles-1-65x70.png 65w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/needle-insertion-angles-1-225x243.png 225w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/needle-insertion-angles-1-350x378.png 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 399px) 100vw, 399px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5535\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a id=\"figure7-1\"><\/a>Figure 7.1: Insertion angles<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>To administer parenteral medications\u00a0safely, it is imperative to understand how to prevent an infection, prevent medication errors, prevent a needle-stick injury, and prevent discomfort to the patient. Tables 7.1 to 7.4 address specific practices to eliminate safety hazards to patients and health care workers.<\/p>\n<h2>Preventing Infection During an Injection<\/h2>\n<p>According to Seigel et al, (2007), research has shown that unsafe injection practices have resulted in patient exposure to infections leading to outbreaks of infectious diseases. These unnecessary exposures were the result of deficient health care practices. Injectable medications must be given in a safe manner to maintain sterility of equipment and prevent the transmission of infectious diseases between patients and health care workers. Table 7.1 summarizes how to prevent an infection during an injection.<\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 571px; width: 100%;\">\n<caption>Table 7.1 Preventing Infection During an Injection<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/caption>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000; text-align: left;\" colspan=\"4\">\n<h5>Safety consideration:<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>Always follow the principles of sterile technique when preparing injections.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\n<h4>Principle<\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\n<h4>\u00a0Additional Information<\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\"><a href=\"\/clinicalskills\/chapter\/1-6-hand-hygiene\/\">Perform hand hygiene<\/a>.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Always <a href=\"\/clinicalskills\/chapter\/1-6-hand-hygiene\/\">perform hand hygiene<\/a> before administration and after removing gloves. For hand hygiene with ABHR, use 1 to 2 pumps of product; this volume requires a minimum of 15 seconds for hands to dry.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5575\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5575\" style=\"width: 216px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/DSC_1581.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5575\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/DSC_1581-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"Hand hygiene with ABHR\" width=\"216\" height=\"143\" srcset=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/DSC_1581-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/DSC_1581-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/DSC_1581-65x43.jpg 65w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/DSC_1581-225x149.jpg 225w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/DSC_1581-350x232.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 216px) 100vw, 216px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5575\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hand hygiene with ABHR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Prevent needle\/syringe contamination.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Keep sterile parts of the needle and syringe sterile. Avoid letting the needle touch unsterile surfaces such as the outer edges of the ampule or vial, surface of the needle cap, or counter. Always keep the needle covered with a cap when not in use, and use the scoop-cap method to avoid needle-stick injuries. Avoid touching the length of the plunger. Keep the tip of the syringe sterile by covering with a cap or needle.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6137\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6137\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/labelled-syringe-3.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6137 size-medium\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/labelled-syringe-3-300x191.png\" alt=\"Parts of a Syringe and Needle\" width=\"300\" height=\"191\" srcset=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/labelled-syringe-3-300x191.png 300w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/labelled-syringe-3-65x41.png 65w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/labelled-syringe-3-225x143.png 225w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/labelled-syringe-3-350x223.png 350w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/labelled-syringe-3.png 388w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6137\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Parts of a syringe and needle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Prepare patient&#8217;s skin.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Wash the patient&#8217;s skin with soap and water when it is soiled with dirt, drainage, or fecal matter\/urine. Follow agency policy for skin preparation. When using an alcohol swab, use a circular motion to rub the area for 15 seconds, and then let the area dry for 30 seconds. If cleaning a site, move from the centre of the site outward in a 5 cm (2 in.) radius.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Prevent contamination of solution.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Use single-dose vials\/ampules whenever possible. Do not keep multi-dose vials in patient treatment area. Discard if sterility is compromised or questionable. Do not combine and administer medications from single-dose vials or ampules for later use.\u00a0Ampules should not sit open and should be used immediately, then discarded appropriately.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Use new, sterile sterile equipment with each injection.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Single use syringe and needle must be used with each patient. Always inspect packaging for intactness; inspect for dryness, rips, torn corners and expiry date. If single use equipment is not available, use syringes and needles designed for steam sterilization.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"4\">Data source: CDC, 2015; Hutin et al., 2003; Perry et al., 2014; Provincial Infectious Disease Advisory Committee, 2014; Siegel et al., 2007.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>Safe Medication Administration<\/h2>\n<p>Medication errors have a substantial impact on health care in Canada (Butt, 2010). When preparing and administering medication, and assessing patients after receiving medication, always follow agency policy to ensure safe practice. Review Table 7.2 for guidelines for safe medication administration.<\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 571px; width: 100%;\">\n<caption>Table 7.2 Guidelines for Safe Medication\u00a0Administration<\/caption>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000; text-align: left;\" colspan=\"4\">\n<h5>Safety consideration:<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>Agency policy on medication administration and on the medication administration record (MAR) may vary. Always receive the required training on the use of each agency&#8217;s medication system to avoid preventable errors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\n<h4>Principle<\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\n<h4>\u00a0Additional Information<\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Be vigilant when preparing medications.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Avoid distractions. Some agencies have a no-interruption zone (NIZ), where health care providers can prepare medications without interruptions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Check for allergies.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Always ask patient about allergies, types of reactions, and severity of reactions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Use two patient identifiers at all times. Always follow agency policy for patient identification.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Use at least two patient identifiers before administration AND compare against the medication administration record (MAR).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Assessment comes before medication administration.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">All medications require an assessment (review of lab values, pain, respiratory or cardiac assessment, etc.) prior to medication administration to ensure the patient is receiving the correct medication for the correct reason.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Be diligent in all medication calculations.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Errors in medication calculations have contributed to dosage errors, especially when adjusting or titrating dosages.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Avoid reliance on memory; use checklists and memory aids.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Slips in memory are caused by lack of attention, fatigue, and distractions. Mistakes are often referred to as attentional behaviours, and they account for most errors in health care. If possible, follow a standard list of steps for every patient.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Communicate with your patient before and after administration.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Provide information to patient about the medication before administering it. Answer questions regarding usage, dose, and special considerations. Give the patient the opportunity to ask questions. Include family members if appropriate.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Avoid workarounds.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">A workaround<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>is a process that bypasses a procedure, policy, or problem in a system. For example, nurses may &#8220;borrow&#8221; a medication from another patient while waiting for an order to be filled by the pharmacy. These workarounds fail to follow agency policies that ensure safe medication practices.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Ensure medication has not expired.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Medication may be inactive if expired.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Always clarify an order or procedure that is unclear.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Always ask for help whenever you are uncertain or unclear about an order. Consult with the pharmacist, charge nurse, or other health care providers and be sure to resolve all questions before proceeding with medication administration.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Use available technology to administer medications.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Bar-code scanning (eMAR) has decreased errors in administration by 51%, and computerized physician orders have decreased errors by 81%. Technology has the potential to help decrease errors. Use technology when administering medications, but be aware of technology-induced errors.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Report all near misses, errors, and adverse reactions.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Reporting allows for analysis and identification of potential errors, which can lead to improvements and sharing of information for safer patient care.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Be alert to error-prone situations and high-alert medications.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">High-alert medications are those\u00a0that are most likely to cause significant harm, even when used as intended.\u00a0The most common high-alert medications are\u00a0anticoagulants, narcotics and opiates, insulins, and sedatives. The types of harm most commonly associated with these medications include hypotension, respiratory depression, delirium, bleeding, hypoglycemia, bradycardia, and lethargy.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">If a patient questions or expresses concern regarding a medication,\u00a0stop and do not administer it.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">If a patient questions a medication, stop and explore the patient&#8217;s concerns, review the physician&#8217;s order, and, if necessary, notify the practitioner in charge of the patient.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"4\">Data source:\u00a0Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2014;\u00a0Canadian Patient Safety Institute, 2012;\u00a0Debono et al., 2013;\u00a0Institute for Healthcare Improvement, 2015;\u00a0National Patient Safety Agency, 2009;\u00a0National Priority Partnership, 2010; Prakash, et al., 2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>Promoting Safety and Comfort of a Patient During an Injection<\/h2>\n<p>Injections can be given safely and effectively, and harm can be prevented if proper injection technique is used. Most complications related to injections are associated with intramuscular injections, but may occur with any route. Complications can occur when an incorrect site is used, or with an inappropriate depth or rate of injection (Malkin, 2008). To promote patient safety and comfort during an injection, review the guidelines in Table 7.3.<\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 100%;\">\n<caption>Table 7.3 Promoting Patient Safety and Comfort During an Injection<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/caption>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Principle<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>\u00a0Additional Information<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Correct needle<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">For injections, use a sharp, beveled needle and place bevel side up. Change the needle if liquid coats the shaft of the needle. Correct needle length allows for correct delivery of medication into the correct site and can reduce complications such as abscesses, pain, and bruising. Needle selection should be based on size of patient, gender, injection site, and amount of medication injected. Women tend to have more adipose tissue around the buttocks and deltoid fat pad, which means more than half the injections given do not reach the proper IM depths in women. Large bore needles have been found to reduce pain, swelling, and redness after an injection, as less pressure is required to depress the plunger.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Proper angle of insertion and removal (see <a href=\"#figure7-1\">Figure 7.1<\/a>)<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Inserting the needle at the proper angle (depending on the type of injection) and entering the skin smoothly and quickly can reduce pain during injection. Hold the syringe steady once the needle is in the tissue to prevent tissue damage. Withdraw the needle at the same angle used for insertion. The angle for an IM injection is 90 degrees. With all injections, the needle should be inserted all the way up to the hub. Holding the syringe like a dart prevents the medication from being injected during insertion of needle. Removing residue (medication on the tip of the needle) has been shown to reduce pain and discomfort. To remove residue from the needle, change needles after preparation and before administration.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Patient position<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">The patient&#8217;s position may affect their perception of pain. Proper position will also facilitate proper landmarking of the site. For IM injections, for example, the ventrogluteal site has the greatest muscle thickness and is free of nerves and blood vessels, with a small layer of fat.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Relaxation technique and distraction methods<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Position the patient&#8217;s limbs in a relaxed, comfortable position to reduce muscle tension. For example, lying prone may help a patient relax prior to an IM injection. If giving a deltoid IM injection, have the patient relax the arm by placing the hand in the lap. If a patient is receiving an IM injection in the vastus lateralis or ventrogluteal site, encourage the patient to gently point toes outwards to relax the muscle. Relaxation skills of the health care provider will help decrease the patient&#8217;s anxiety-heightened pain. If possible, divert the patient&#8217;s attention away from the injection procedure.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Pre-medication, if required<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">To decrease pain upon insertion, a vapocoolant spray, topical anesthetic, or wrapped ice may be placed on the insertion site for a minute prior to injection. For IM injections, two studies found that applying pressure to the injection site for 10 seconds before the injection reduced pain. This data supports the gate theory of pain control.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Z-track method for IM injections<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Some research shows that the Z-track technique results in reduced pain and complications, and fewer injection lesions. However, other research shows that Z-track injections result in more pain and bleeding at the injection site. (See 7.4 Intramuscular Injections for more on the Z-track method.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Administration rate<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Research has found that administrating medications at 10 seconds per ml is an effective rate for IM injections. Increasing the rate to 20 seconds per ml did not show any reduction in pain. Always review drug administration rate as per pharmacy or manufacturer\u2019s recommendations.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Gentle touch with insertion sites<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Gently apply a dry sterile gauze to the site after the injection. Rotate injection sites to prevent the development of indurations and abscesses.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Aspiration with IM injections<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Review the latest research regarding the utility of aspirating IM injections. There is lack of strong evidence to support the technique of aspiration with IM injections.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"4\">Data source: A\u011fac &amp; G\u00fcnes, 2011; Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health, 2014; Cocoman &amp; Murray, 2008; Greenway, 2014; Hunter, 2008; Malkin, 2008; Mitchell &amp; Whitney, 2001; Nisbit, 2006; Ogston-Tuck, 2014a; Perry et al., 2014; Rodgers &amp; King, 2000; Sisson, 2015; Workman, 1999<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>Preventing Needle-Stick Injuries<\/h2>\n<p>Health care providers can be at risk for needle-stick injuries in any health care setting. The most common places for needle-stick injuries to occur are in the operating room and patient rooms. Tasks that place the health care provider at risk include recapping needles and mishandling IV lines. Table 7.4 provides guidelines to prevent needle-stick injuries.<\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 100%;\">\n<caption>Table 7.4 Recommendations for Prevention of Needle-Stick Injuries<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/caption>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Principle<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>\u00a0Additional Information<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Avoid recapping needles.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Recapping needles has led to the transmission of infection. If possible, always use devices with safety features &#8212; i.e., safety shield.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Dispose of the needle immediately after injection.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Immediately dispose of used needles in a sharps disposal container (puncture-proof and leak-proof) to avoid unsafe disposal of a sharp.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Reduce or eliminate all hazards related to needles.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Avoid using needles if possible. Use a needle only when performing an SC, ID, or IM injection. Use a needleless system and engineered safety devices for prevention of needle-stick injuries.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Plan disposal of sharps before injection.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Plan the safe handling and disposal of needles before beginning a procedure that requires a sharp needle. Bring sharps container close to the bedside prior to injection. Sharps containers should be at eye level and within arm&#8217;s reach.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Follow all standard policies related to prevention \/ treatment of injury.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Follow all agency policies regarding infection control, hand hygiene, standard and <a href=\"\/clinicalskills\/chapter\/1-8-masks\/\">additional precautions<\/a>, and blood and body fluid exposure management.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Report all injuries.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Report all needle-stick injuries and sharp-related injuries immediately. Data collected regarding the nature of injuries help guide needle-stick prevention strategies for new practices and devices. Review how to manage needle-stick injuries and follow agency policy regarding exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Policies help decrease the risk of contracting a blood-borne illness.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Participate in required training and education.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"2\">Attend training on injury-prevention strategies related to needles and safety devices as per agency policy. Participate in and evaluate the selection of safety devices, and report known needle-stick hazards to managers.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\">\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000000;\" colspan=\"4\">Data source: American Nurses Association, 2002; Centers for Disease Control, 2012; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1999; Perry et al., 2014; Pratt et al., 2007; Wilburn, 2004; Wilburn &amp; Eijkemans, 2004<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>Preparing Medications from Ampules and Vials<\/h2>\n<p>Specific equipment, such as syringes and needles, is required to prepare and administer parenteral medications. The selection of the syringe and needle is based on the type and location of injection; amount, quality, and type of medication; and the body size of the patient. Many syringes come with needleless systems or needles with safety shields to prevent injuries (Perry et al., 2014).\u00a0Aseptic technique is paramount to the preparation and administration of these medications.<\/p>\n<p>Parenteral medications are supplied in sterile vials, ampules, and prefilled syringes. <strong>Ampules <\/strong>are glass containers in 1 ml to 10 ml sizes that\u00a0hold a single dose of medication in liquid form. They are made of glass and have a scored neck to indicate where to break the ampule (see Figure 7.2). Medication is withdrawn using a syringe and a filter needle. A blunt fill needle with filter (see Figure 7.3) must be used when withdrawing medication to prevent glass particles from being drawn up into the syringe (see Figure 7.4). Never use a filter needle to inject medication (Perry et al.,\u00a02014).<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6661\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6661\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/preparing-an-ampule-1.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6661 size-medium\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/preparing-an-ampule-1-300x144.png\" alt=\"Preparing medication from an ampule\" width=\"300\" height=\"144\" srcset=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/preparing-an-ampule-1-300x144.png 300w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/preparing-an-ampule-1-65x31.png 65w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/preparing-an-ampule-1-225x108.png 225w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/preparing-an-ampule-1-350x168.png 350w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/preparing-an-ampule-1.png 534w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6661\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 7.2 Breaking open an ampule<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6822\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6822\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/10\/Oct-2-2015-009.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6822 size-medium\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/10\/Oct-2-2015-009-300x137.jpg\" alt=\"Oct 2, 2015 009\" width=\"300\" height=\"137\" srcset=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/10\/Oct-2-2015-009-300x137.jpg 300w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/10\/Oct-2-2015-009.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/10\/Oct-2-2015-009-65x30.jpg 65w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/10\/Oct-2-2015-009-225x103.jpg 225w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/10\/Oct-2-2015-009-350x160.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6822\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 7.3 Blunt fill needle with filter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6823\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6823\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/10\/Oct-2-2015-010.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-6823\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/10\/Oct-2-2015-010-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"Using a blunt filter needle with an ampule\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/10\/Oct-2-2015-010-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/10\/Oct-2-2015-010.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/10\/Oct-2-2015-010-65x46.jpg 65w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/10\/Oct-2-2015-010-225x159.jpg 225w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/10\/Oct-2-2015-010-350x247.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6823\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 7.4 Using a blunt fill needle with filter with an ampule<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.atitesting.com\/ati_next_gen\/skillsmodules\/content\/medication-administration-3\/equipment\/ampules.html\">Read this information about\u00a0ampules<\/a> to review how to prepare medication from an ampule.<\/div>\n<h3><a id=\"video7.1\"><\/a>Video 7.1<\/h3>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Watch the video\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/barabus.tru.ca\/nursing\/Prepare_MedsAmpoule.html\"><em>Preparing a Medication from an Ampule<\/em><\/a>\u00a0by\u00a0<a href=\"\/clinicalskills\/back-matter\/appendix-3\/\">Ren\u00e9e Anderson &amp; Wendy McKenzie<\/a>, Thompson Rivers University.<\/div>\n<p>A <strong>vial<\/strong>\u00a0is a single- or multi-dose plastic container with a rubber seal top, covered by a metal or plastic cap (see Figure 7.5). A single-use vial must be discarded after one use; a multi-dose vial must be labelled with the date it was opened. Check hospital policy to see how long an open vial may be used. The vial is a closed system, and air must be injected into the vial to permit the removal of the solution (Perry et al., 2014) (see Figure 7.6).<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6044\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6044\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-620.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-6044\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-620-300x245.jpg\" alt=\"Preparing medications from an ampoule\" width=\"300\" height=\"245\" srcset=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-620-300x245.jpg 300w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-620.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-620-65x53.jpg 65w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-620-225x183.jpg 225w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-620-350x285.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6044\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 7.5 Preparing medications from a vial<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5999\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5999\" style=\"width: 163px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-527.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5999 size-medium\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-527-163x300.jpg\" alt=\"Book pictures 2015 527\" width=\"163\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-527-163x300.jpg 163w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-527.jpg 558w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-527-65x119.jpg 65w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-527-225x413.jpg 225w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-527-350x642.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 163px) 100vw, 163px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5999\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 7.6 Vial with safety needle inserted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.atitesting.com\/ati_next_gen\/skillsmodules\/content\/medication-administration-3\/equipment\/vials.html\">Read this information about\u00a0vials<\/a> to review how to prepare medication from a vial and reconstitute medication.<\/div>\n<h3><a id=\"video7.2\"><\/a>Video 7.2<\/h3>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Watch the video\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/barabus.tru.ca\/nursing\/Prepare_MedsVial.html\"><em>Preparing Medications from a Vial<\/em><\/a>\u00a0by\u00a0<a href=\"\/clinicalskills\/back-matter\/appendix-3\/\">Ren\u00e9e Anderson &amp; Wendy McKenzie<\/a>, Thompson Rivers University.<\/div>\n<p>A<strong> syringe <\/strong>(see Figure 7.7)is a sterile, single-use device that has a Luer lock (see Figure 7.8) or non-Luer lock tip, which influences the name of the syringe. Syringes come in various sizes from 0.5 ml to 60 ml. Syringes may come with or without a sterile needle and will have a safety shield on the needle.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5534\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5534\" style=\"width: 388px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/labelled-syringe-2.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5534 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/labelled-syringe-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"388\" height=\"247\" srcset=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/labelled-syringe-2.png 388w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/labelled-syringe-2-300x191.png 300w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/labelled-syringe-2-65x41.png 65w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/labelled-syringe-2-225x143.png 225w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/labelled-syringe-2-350x223.png 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 388px) 100vw, 388px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5534\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 7.7 Labelled syringe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5987\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5987\" style=\"width: 263px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-510.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5987\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-510-263x300.jpg\" alt=\"Luer lock needle\" width=\"263\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-510-263x300.jpg 263w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-510.jpg 897w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-510-65x74.jpg 65w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-510-225x257.jpg 225w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-510-350x400.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 263px) 100vw, 263px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5987\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 7.8 Luer lock needle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Insulin is only given using an insulin syringe (see Figure 7.9). Insulin is ordered in units. It is important to use the correct syringe and needle for the specific injection. Always examine the measurement scale on the syringe to determine that you have the correct syringe (Lynn, 2011).<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6012\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6012\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-545.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6012 size-medium\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-545-300x86.jpg\" alt=\"Book pictures 2015 545\" width=\"300\" height=\"86\" srcset=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-545-300x86.jpg 300w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-545.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-545-65x19.jpg 65w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-545-225x64.jpg 225w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-545-350x100.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6012\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 7.9 Insulin syringe with safety shield<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.atitesting.com\/ati_next_gen\/skillsmodules\/content\/medication-administration-3\/equipment\/syringes.html\">Read this information about\u00a0syringes<\/a> to review the different types of syringes.<\/div>\n<p><strong>Needles<\/strong> are made of stainless steel, are sterile and disposable, and\u00a0come in various lengths and sizes. The needle is made up of the hub, shaft, and bevel. The bevel is the tip of the needle that is slanted to create a slit into the skin. The hub fits onto the tip of the syringe. All three parts must remain sterile at all times. The length of the needle will vary from 1\/8 in. to 3 in., depending on the injection. The <strong>gauge of a needle<\/strong> is the diameter of the needle. Gauges can vary from very small diameter (25 to\u00a029 gauge) to large diameter (18 to\u00a022 gauge). A needle will have its gauge and length marked on the outer packaging; choose the correct gauge and length for the injection ordered (Lynn, 2011) (see Figures 7.10, 7.11, and 7.12).<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.atitesting.com\/ati_next_gen\/skillsmodules\/content\/medication-administration-3\/equipment\/needles.html\">Read this information about\u00a0needles<\/a> to review needles and how to &#8220;scoop cap&#8221;.<\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6138\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6138\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-560.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-6138\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-560-300x131.jpg\" alt=\"Variety of needles with different gauges and lengths\" width=\"300\" height=\"131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-560-300x131.jpg 300w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-560.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-560-65x28.jpg 65w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-560-225x98.jpg 225w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-560-350x153.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6138\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 7.10 Variety of needles with different gauges and lengths<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6016\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6016\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-563.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-6016\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-563-300x210.jpg\" alt=\"Types of needles with safety shields\" width=\"300\" height=\"210\" srcset=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-563-300x210.jpg 300w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-563.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-563-65x46.jpg 65w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-563-225x158.jpg 225w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-563-350x245.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6016\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 7.11 Types of needles with safety shields<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6001\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6001\" style=\"width: 218px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-532.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-6001\" src=\"http:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-532-218x300.jpg\" alt=\"Needle with safety cap\" width=\"218\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-532-218x300.jpg 218w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-532.jpg 745w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-532-65x89.jpg 65w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-532-225x309.jpg 225w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2015\/09\/Book-pictures-2015-532-350x481.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 218px) 100vw, 218px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6001\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 7.12 Needle with safety cap<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--exercises\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Critical Thinking Exercises<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<ol>\n<li>What are three strategies that can be implemented to reduce distractions while preparing medication?<\/li>\n<li>What are two ways to prevent needle-stick injuries?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"menu_order":2,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-2944","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":3260,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/2944","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/2944\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10215,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/2944\/revisions\/10215"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/3260"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/2944\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2944"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=2944"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=2944"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/clinicalskills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=2944"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}