SQ Medication Administration Checklist
Step (C)
Completed
Correctly
(I)
Completed
Incorrectly
(N)
Not
Complete
Verbalize that you would:
oRead order for SQ injection
oGather supplies
oKnock on the patient door
oProtect privacy
oComplete hand hygiene
oIntroduce yourself
oIdentify patient
oAssess for allergies
Explain procedure to patient
Position patient comfortably for procedure
Perform hand hygiene and apply clean gloves.
Perform the 6 rights of medication administration.
Perform the three checks to ensure the medication matches the
order.
Explain the use and possible side effects of medications.
Select appropriate site for injection.
Clean site with antiseptic swab. Apply swab at center of site and
rotate outward in circular direction for about 5 cm.
Remove needle cap or sheath by pulling straight off.
Administer injection:
For an average size patient, hold skin across injection site or
pinch skin with non-dominant hand
Inject needle quickly and firmly at 45- to 90-degree angle.
Release skin if pinched.
For obese patient pinch skin at site and inject needle at 90-degree
angle below tissue fold.
After needle enters site, grasp lower end of syringe barrel with
non-dominant hand to stabilize it. Move dominant hand to end of
plunger and slowly inject medication.
Withdraw needle quickly while placing swab or gauze over site.
Apply gentle pressure to site, do not rub.
Discard needle in appropriate receptacle.
Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene.
Ensure patient is in comfortable position with bed locked and
low, call bell in reach
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