Training video 5: Giving medicine using a subcutaneous cannula — Vietnamese

Transcript

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[Text on screen] caring@home

>>Narrator (female voice over): In this video, you will be shown how to give medicine to the person you are looking after using a subcutaneous cannula. Before you give the medicine, you will need to check the insertion site of the subcutaneous cannula, making sure that there's no swelling, tenderness, redness or leakage or any changes in the cannula position.

There shouldn't be any pain at the site. If you do notice any of these signs, please contact your nurse before continuing. Once you are confident that the insertion site is okay, you'll need to wash your hands with soap and water and dry them well. The next step is to carefully read the label on the medicine syringe to make sure that you have selected the right medicine prescribed for the breakthrough symptom that you want to treat.

You can then place the labelled syringe filled with medicine and the labelled flush syringe in a clean container. It is suggested that you sit with the person to explain that they might feel the sensation of the medicine as it goes under the skin. If the syringe has come from the fridge, you may want to rub the syringe between your hands for a few seconds as it makes it more comfortable for the person if the medicine isn't too cold.

The next step is to actually give the medicine. To do this, you will need to take the cap off the syringe and put it into the clean container. Hold the Y arm of the cannula and push the syringe into the centre of the needle free connector and twist until secure. Some services request that you first swab the end of the needle free connector with an alcohol wipe, but this is optional.

Slowly push the syringe plunger until all the medicine has been given and the syringe is empty. Hold the Y arm of the subcutaneous cannula and twist the syringe to remove it. Dispose of the empty syringe safely. Sometimes you may need to give more than one medicine, and in this case, repeat steps 5 to 9 in your handbook for each additional medicine.

So that the person receives the complete dose of medicine, it's important to flush the cannula with 0. 5 mils of sodium chloride, 0. 9%. This is called the flush syringe. If you have given more than one medicine, flush only after the last medicine has been given. After giving the medicine and flushing the subcutaneous cannula, you will need to re check the insertion site for swelling, tenderness, redness, or leakage.

If you notice any of these signs, stop. You may notice a small lump at the insertion site immediately after giving medicine. This is normal, and the lump will disappear as the medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream. Contact your nurse if you're concerned. And finally, you can wash your hands again. The last step is to fill out the medicines diary.

Be sure to check that the medicine has worked about 20 minutes after you've given the medicine. When giving subcutaneous medicines, if you have any concerns at all, contact your nurse or doctor for advice. Your healthcare team will have given you a 24 hour contact number.

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