Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2025

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Subcutaneous Administration of Medications and Fluids by Nonprofessional Caregivers at Home
Luisa Rodríguez-Campos1,2, Marta Ximena León1,2,3, Alirio Bastidas2,4
1Department of Anesthesia, Pain and Palliative Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad de La Sabana, Chía, Colombia.
Abstract:
Patients requiring home-based palliative care have advanced complex illnesses with functional limitations and decline. This retrospective study reviewed caregiver administration of subcutaneous (SQ) medications and fluids when symptom control could not be achieved using the oral route. Medical records from September 1, 2017 to February 28, 2018 were reviewed for 272 consecutive patients who received SQ administration of medications or fluids at a home-based palliative care program. We analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients and caregivers, medications administered, and catheter outcomes. Patients' median age was 74 years, and 163 (60%) were women. The most common cancer diagnoses were stomach 26 (12%), lung 22 (10%), and colorectal 20 (9%). Dementia 24 (44%), cerebrovascular disease 9 (16%), and congestive heart failure 7 (13%) were the most frequent nonmalignant diseases. Poor symptom control 162 (60%) and impaired oral intake 107 (39%) were the most common indications for an SQ route of administration. Nonprofessional caregivers trained by a nurse administered medications to 218 patients (80%). During interventions, the patients received a mean of 4 medications (±2 standard deviation). A total of 903 catheters were inserted, 15/732 (2%) catheters handled by nonprofessional caregivers caused a local infection, compared with 3/171 (1.8%) of catheters handled by nurses. Hydromorphone was the most common opioid used (57%), followed by morphine (35%). The median length of stay in the program was 24 days (interquartile range: 11-60). SQ administration of medications and fluids by nonprofessional caregivers trained by health care professionals is feasible and promising, but additional testing is needed.
Related Concept Videos
Nursing Implementation
The five steps to implementing effective nursing care include reassessing the patient, reviewing and revising the existing nursing care plan, organizing the resources and care delivery, anticipating and preventing complications, and implementing nursing interventions.
Routes of Drug Administration: Parenteral
The intravenous route (IV) of drug administration can be further categorized into two types. The bolus injection administers the entire dose rapidly, while an intravenous infusion slowly delivers smaller doses steadily.
The IV route is often...
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...
Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs...
Routes of Drug Administration: Overview
Enteral administration refers to drugs absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. They can be swallowed (perorally), placed under the tongue (sublingually), or on the inner lining of the cheeks (buccally). Perorally administered drugs take time to be absorbed and have a slower onset of action. The rectal route is another form of enteral administration, which allows for...

