Hypodermic

(hi-po-der’-mik). Under the skin; a term applied to injections given under the skin by means of a hypodermic syringe. This syringe is marked in minims or drops, and fitted with a fine hollow needle. In giving an injection pinch up a piece of the skin of the patient’s arm with the left hand; hold the syringe between the thumb and middle finger of the right hand, with the first finger on the piston. Run the needle into and under the piece of pinched-up skin; slowly and steadily pre down the piston; withdraw the needle gently and pre a finger on the puncture for a moment to prevent the return of the fluid. The syringe must be kept perfectly clean, a bristle kept in the needle will prevent it from getting clogged with dust, . All drugs used as hypodermics are highly concentrated, and many of them, such as morphine, atropine, ., are poisonous.