What it means
An auto-injector holds a single prefilled dose and a hidden needle, so a person can give it quickly, as with an epinephrineep-ih-NEF-rinA hormone and drug, also called adrenaline, that raises heart rate and blood pressure and opens the airways.Full entry pen for anaphylaxis. Pen injectors deliver measured doses of drugs such as insulinIN-suh-linA hormone made by the pancreas that lets the body's cells take in glucose, also made as a medicine.Full entry . In imaging, a power injector pushes contrast dye into a vein at a set rate.
For the nurse
Teach clients and families to carry auto-injectors at all times, check the expiration date, and practice with a trainer device. For an epinephrine pen, inject into the outer thigh, through clothing if needed, and then call emergency services.
At a glance
| Also written | injectors |
|---|
Related terms
insulin
A hormone made by the pancreas that lets the body's cells take in glucose, also made as a medicine.
epinephrine
A hormone and drug, also called adrenaline, that raises heart rate and blood pressure and opens the airways.
syringe
A tube with a plunger, used to draw up liquid and push it out, often through a needle.