SC Bolus Volume Limit — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ
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Correct answer: E — 1–2 mL per injection site — volumes > 2 mL cause tissue distension and pain, reducing patient acceptance
Option E is correct: UK palliative care guidance consistently recommends a maximum of 2 mL for a single subcutaneous bolus, with 1 mL preferred in cachexic patients with limited subcutaneous tissue, to avoid local tissue distension, pain and poor acceptance. Option C (10 mL) is unfeasibly large and unsafe; B neglects vital injection safety principles; C (0.1 mL) is impractically small for therapeutic doses; D (5 mL minimum) is misleading and dangerously high.
Reference: Scottish Palliative Care Guidelines: Syringe Pump Driver Practice Points; Lancashire & South Cumbria Palliative Care SOP, May 2023