Any nurses or MAs here?

Question

I've been a medical assistant for a year now...
Today I gave a Tetanus (IM) shot to a patient and I did not aspirate. After I withdrew the needle, blood came out, like a not a little but not a whole lot. I figured I might of hit an artery. The site got swollen right away. I'm not gonna lie... I panicked, but proceed as usual, massaged a little and put the band aid on. The guy (18 y/o) didn't seem to be in pain or anything. I told him if anything he can get a little soreness and the site may get a little swollen so he could put warm compres on it. This is the first time that this ever happens.

Will he be okay? Has this happened to anyone before?  I've been thinking about this all day long. The bump looked like a mosquito bite when you scratch it and it gets swollen.

Please, no rude comments. I know I should've aspirate, and I will 100% of the times I give a shot from now on. That was something really stupid.

Thank you.

Answer

I feel like you should be asking your supervisor about this, not random people on an app....sorry but just my opinion. I'm a social worker at a hospital, not a nurse by any means. But you should ask someone you work with so you don't make the mistake again if you're worried

Answer

Talk to your supervisor! This is somebody's life omg 😦 I'm scared for the future of the medical field. I'm not judging but when I have situations that could potentially be serious, I go to my boss. Even if I'm wrong, at least they'll teach me how to do it better next time. But if you hide this stuff, there might not be a "next time"!

Answer

I have been a MA for 16 years, it is not necessary to aspirate when giving IM of vaccines/immunizations! Sometimes the site will bleed more than just a little, you applied pressure and that is all That is needed! Don't worry, it's happened to me too! Below it states, according to the CDC it is not necessary!!

Answer

You would know if you hit an artery...dude probably wouldn't have been so chill. When in doubt always get a second set of eyes. Always ask the question. These are peoples lives and limbs, not their dinners. Everyone makes mistakes, that's part of being human, but your responsibility to your patients is to educate yourself and remain up to date on your facility's policy and procedures.

Answer

Part of being in the medical field is keeping current with research and procedures. It is no longer correct practice to aspirate an IM vaccine along with a list of other injections.

Answer

I wouldn't worry about it! First of all if you were to hit an artery blood would come out like a river, you most likely just hit a little blood vessel which is totally fine and absolutely nothing you can do! Were you in the muscle? That's what matters but yes it's always a good idea to aspirate!

Answer

If you see a flash of blood in your syringe, you should not administer the injection. That being said the needle most likely ruptured a vessel rather then cannulating it.

Any nurses or MAs here?

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