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The injection, although it sounds mysterious, is nothing more than a well-known injection. It is often of concern not only among children but also adults – especially when the injection is performed independently for the first time. Although it is an invasive procedure, it is almost painless and safe, so in certain cases patients, after training by a doctor or a nurse, can perform it at home.
Advantages of intramuscular injection and possible complications
This kind injection is most often performed. It consists in introducing a drug solution into muscles that are poorly innervated and, at the same time, well supplied with blood, such as the gluteal, brachial or femoral muscles. Intramuscular injection is an alternative to the oral administration of drugs and has several undeniable advantages. First of all, in this case, the digestive tract absorption is neglected, which protects its mucosa from the irritating effects of certain drugs, and also causes the administered solution to be absorbed into the bloodstream much faster (even within 10-15 minutes) than it does. when administering the tablet.
An injection into the gluteal muscle is the most common form intramuscular injectionbecause it is the least painful area when inserting the needle and inserting the solution. Another common puncture site is the thigh. Injection in the arm it is performed very rarely due to the risk of damage to the radial muscle and only when small amounts of drugs are administered.
Due to the risk of complications, such as infection, nerve damage, and needle breakage, intramuscular injection should only be performed by persons with medical training.
Subcutaneous injection – what is it and what does it look like?
Subcutaneous punctures involve introducing the drug into the subcutaneous tissue and are usually performed in the abdomen, the outer side of the arm and the outer side of the thigh, as well as the area of the scapula. In this way, blood clotting drugs and insulin are most often administered. Absorption is less rapid than with intravenous or intramuscular administration and is also slowed down. For this reason, the administered substance lasts longer.
The procedure is painless and usually does not result in any serious complications. Rarely, an allergic reaction to the administered drug, accidental intramuscular injection or local infection may occur. If the patient is administering a drug such as insulin for a long time, he should change the injection site every day. This prevents the formation of scars that adversely affect the absorption of the substance.
In order to perform the subcutaneous puncture correctly, the patient grasps the fold of the abdominal skin and inserts the needle firmly at a 90-degree angle. After injecting the entire content of the syringe, wait a few seconds, gently remove the needle, and then put a gauze pad over the injection site.
Also in intramuscular and subcutaneous injection asepsis is extremely important. Remember to disinfect the skin before puncturing, and use disposable syringes, needles and gauze pads.