Question

When performing a subcutaneous injection, which of the following is the appropriate needle gauge range?

a) 3 cc syringe, 22 or 25 ga needle
b) 1 cc syringe, 18 or 20 ga needle
c) 5 cc syringe, 30 or 32 ga needle
d) 2 cc syringe, 27 or 29 ga needle

Answer 1

The appropriate needle gauge range for subcutaneous injections is generally 25 to 30 gauge, with the correct answer being a 3 cc syringe with a 22 or 25 ga needle, commonly 25 ga for comfort.

Step-by-step explanation:

When performing a subcutaneous injection, selecting the appropriate needle gauge range is crucial for the comfort and safety of the patient. The appropriate needle gauge range for subcutaneous injections generally falls between 25 to 30 gauge. This allows the medication to be delivered into the subcutaneous tissue, which is just beneath the skin, without causing undue pain or damage to the tissue. Therefore, the correct answer regarding needle size for a subcutaneous injection would be (a) 3 cc syringe, 22 or 25 ga needle, though it is more common to use a 25 gauge needle in practice. Subcutaneous injections typically require smaller needles because the target tissue is not deeply situated and a finer needle reduces patient discomfort.