Summarize:

Check the physician’s orders, MAR, and the Parenteral Drug Therapy Manual (PDTM) to identify the correct medication to be administered. Then prepare the medication by sticking the syringe into the appropriate vial. Make sure to fill the syringe with an appropriate amount of medication. The dosage of an intradermal injection is typically below 0.5 ml. Place non-sterile gloves, a syringe, alcohol swabs, and gauze on a tray. Place the tray near your workstation.  Make sure the needle you are using is a 3⁄8 to 3⁄4 inch (1.0 to 1.9 cm), 26 to 28 gauge needle. Non-sterile, medical gloves are typically used for medical procedures that are non-surgical. Introduce yourself to the patient. To reduce the patient’s anxiety about the procedure, explain to the patient why the procedure is being done and what it will entail. Also, allow the patient to express any concerns and to ask questions before you begin. To avoid any kind of contamination, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Lather your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds and rinse with warm water. Before turning off the water, dry your hands with paper towels and use the paper towels to turn off the faucet. Once your hands are dry, put on your medical gloves to prepare for the procedure. Intradermal injections are usually given on the inner surface of the forearm. Choose an injection site that is free of hair, moles, rashes, scars, and other skin lesions. Intradermal injections can also be administered on the patient’s thigh or the back of their upper arm. Ask the patient where they prefer you to administer the medication. Ensure you have the correct medication and dosage. You should also double-check the patient’s name to be sure you are administering the correct medication to the correct person. Ensure the patient knows what you are administering. You could say “the doctor ordered ‘xyz medication.’ Is this what you were expecting?”
Prepare the medication. Gather your supplies. Explain the procedure to the patient. Wash your hands and put on gloves. Choose the injection site. Double check the medication and patient.