IMs and aspirating blood

[soxfan80]

I can't post in the polls section, so I'm asking here. Have you ever aspirated blood when giving an IM inj?

[Ryden25]

I always aspirate when giving and IM. If you get blood upon aspirating then you should pull the needle out and try again in another spot. Don't inject if you get blood because your are injecting into the circulatory system not the muscular system.

[soxfan80]

Thanks for replying. I'm just asking if anyone has ever actually been in the wrong place and had to withdraw their needle. I'm not that experienced so I'm wondering how often it happens :)

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

Yeah I got your question, no I have not. I have often wondered the same thing. You can easily set up a free link and poll at surveymonkey.com.

[BabyLady, BSN, RN]

First injection I ever gave...I aspirated blood.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Never

[Ayvah, RN]

Yes, I have - once with an IM (flu shot) and once with a Sub Q.

[evolvingrn, BSN, RN]

No, and i heard some nursing schools in the area are now teaching not to aspirate..........I still do

[TiffyRN, BSN, PhD]

After faithfully aspirating IM injections for over 6 years I was thoroughly shocked to get a syringe-full of blood. It was a really thin post knee surgery young guy. I pulled the needle out, held pressure for a couple of minutes while I explained what had happened to the patient and why he would have to have a second injection. I'll never forget it. But I've never personally spoken to another person that had this happen.

[Murse901, MSN, RN]

Yes, I have - once with an IM (flu shot) and once with a Sub Q.

Aspirating for a SQ injection?

I always aspirate on IM injections. I've only aspirated blood one time, with a flu vaccine injection.

[copperkali]

I always aspirate, but have never gotten blood.

[PAERRN20]

Never have I aspirated blood.

Also another to aspirating for subQ