Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)PharmacologyEasy
A medical assistant is preparing to administer a medication via the subcutaneous route. Which of the following sites is generally considered appropriate for subcutaneous injections?
- AVastus lateralis muscle
- BDeltoid muscle
- CDorsogluteal area
- DUpper outer arm
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Upper outer arm
The upper outer arm is a common and appropriate site for subcutaneous injections because it has a good layer of subcutaneous fat, is easily accessible, and has fewer major blood vessels or nerves.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Vastus lateralis is an IM site, primarily for infants and young children.
- B. Deltoid muscle is an IM site.
- C. Dorsogluteal is an IM site and generally avoided due to sciatic nerve risk.
Subcutaneous Injection Sites
Subcutaneous injection sites are areas of the body with sufficient subcutaneous fat to allow for medication absorption into the adipose tissue, typically including the outer aspects of the upper arms, the abdomen, and the anterior/lateral thighs.
- Sites include: upper outer arms, abdomen (at least 1 inch from navel), anterior/lateral thighs.
- Rotate sites to prevent lipodystrophy.
- Avoid areas with scars, bruises, or inflammation.
Memory trick: SC = Skin's Cushion Sites