EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES (cont)
Subcutaneous injections may be done by inserting the needle under the skin in the right or left flank areas.
Intramuscular injections are routinely given in the muscle mass of the upper leg while carefully avoiding the blood vessels and nerves. The syringe should be aspirated to verify that the needle is not in a blood vessel.
Naso-gastric intubation involves the passage of a lubricated infant or premature infant feeding tube via the nostril and esophagus into the stomach. When properly placed the tube will pass easily over the epiglottis and the operator can normally withdraw stomach contents via the tube. When improperly placed the operator may notice resistance from the epiglottis and trachea with coughing and gagging. The technician should be trained to determine if the tube is properly placed in the stomach.