Subcutaneous injection

Subcutaneous administration of insulin or low-molecular-weight heparin — including checking against the 6 rights (6-R-Regel) and safe handling of the needle.

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Translated from the German original, which is authoritative. The exam itself is in German.

Material

• Medical order or medication plan
• Medication (prefilled syringe or pen with a new needle) — with a safety mechanism wherever technically possible (TRBA 250)
• Skin antiseptic and swabs as per the hygiene plan, disposable gloves
• Puncture-resistant sharps container

Typical mistakes in the exam

• Checking identity only by the room number
• Giving insulin without knowing the blood glucose or the meal
• Always using the same injection site
• Recapping the used needle

What examiners ask afterwards

• Why do you rotate the injection sites?
• How do you proceed if someone decides against the injection despite being informed?
• Which signs of hypoglycaemia do you watch for after giving insulin?

Sources

• Deutsche Diabetes Gesellschaft: Praxisempfehlungen
• TRBA 250: Biologische Arbeitsstoffe im Gesundheitsdienst und in der Wohlfahrtspflege (BAuA, Ausgabe November 2025)