Marking Criteria

Subcutaneous injection marking criteria

Assessment criteria
1	Introduces self. Explains and discusses the procedure with the child and parents. Interacts with child using age-appropriate language and communication skills.
2	Before administering any prescribed drug, looks at the child’s prescription chart and correctly verbalises ALL of the following checks: • child (checks ID with child and/or carer: verbally, against wristband (where appropriate) and documentation) • drug • dose • date and time of administration • route and method of administration • diluent (as appropriate) • allergies
3	Correctly checks ALL of the following: • validity of prescription • signature of prescriber • prescription is legible. If any of these pieces of information is missing, unclear or illegible, the nurse should not proceed with administration and should consult the prescriber.
4	Cleans hands with alcohol hand rub, or washes with soap and water and dries with paper towels, following WHO guidelines, and dons a disposable plastic apron.
5	Closes the curtains/door and assists the child into the required position. Removes the appropriate garment to expose injection site.
6	Use distraction techniques and assistance of parent/caregiver.
7	Assesses the injection site for signs of inflammation, oedema, infection and skin lesions. Rotates injection sites if having regular injections.
8	Cleans hands with alcohol hand rub, or washes with soap and water and dries with paper towels. Dons non-sterile gloves.
9	States would assess the cleanliness of the injection site. States that if the site is clean there would be no need to clean, however if required would clean with a swab saturated with isopropyl alcohol 70% for 30 seconds and allows to dry for 30 seconds.
10	Assembles the equipment by priming the pen and dialing the dose using a non-touch technique.
11	Gently pinches the skin into a fold, if required.
12	Holds the pen at a 90° angle to the skin and pushes the needle into the skin.
13	Injects the medicine slowly, then waits for 10 seconds before withdrawing the pen.
14	Withdraws the needle rapidly and applies gentle pressure with sterile gauze. Does not massage the area.
15	Administers drugs due for administration safely and correctly: • Administers correct dose • Checks expiry date • Handles medication correctly.
16	Ensures that all sharps and non-sharp waste are disposed of safely and in accordance with locally approved procedures.
17	Cleans hands with alcohol hand rub, or washes with soap and water and dries with paper towels.
18	Signs and dates the drug administration record.