Needle gauges! Help!

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

Brand new nurse, gave flu shot with 27 gauge needle. Stressing out, realizing wrong gauge, 27 is used on children. What happens if too small of gauge is used??? Length was correct for an IM, and all went well. So upset.....advice please!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

A 27 gauge needle can be used on adults, too. I administer most deep IM injections using a 25 or 27 gauge 1.5 inch needle because patients say it hurts less.

Injections of lorazepam (Ativan) are about the only medication I administer with a thicker needle (18 to 21 gauge).

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Thank you so much, I feel much better! I was worried that it being too small of a gauge, it wouldn't be administered correctly and the person would not be protected from the flu or something wild like that, the thoughts of a new nurse i suppose. Agian thank you, I will sleep tonight!

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Specializes in Hospital medicine; NP precepting; staff education.

27 is fine. To add to the commuter's post, I also use a 21 for Bicillin, it's thick.

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Thank you, the more reassurance the better!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I understand that you are a new nurse, but am more than a little concerned that you thought the gauge of the needle might impact the effectiveness of a vaccine.

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I'm just stressed, and overtired lol......silly thoughts. Exactly why I said "something wild like that" in my reply. Just a small joke I suppose, now that I have some relief.

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Specializes in DD, PD/Agency Peds, School Sites.

You cared enough to ask for reassurance. I like that much better than a new nurse sweeping it under the rug and not asking questions. This is how we learn. Once I gave am IM to a prisoner -- my first IM as a nurse. Didn't know it was a safety needle. Thought it broke in the inmate's arm. Officer had to tell me that it "springs back up in there." So I hope that makes you feel better.

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Thank you for your kind words, and sharing your story, it does help!

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Is there another RN you could have bounced your thoughts off of, or there for future reference?

I'm just stressed, and overtired lol......silly thoughts. Exactly why I said "something wild like that" in my reply. Just a small joke I suppose, now that I have some relief.
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Specializes in Pediatrics, Mother-Baby and SCN.

Smaller gauges can potentially be more painful in this situation (due to pressure as the med is injected), but as you had the correct length it won't effect the efficacy of the vaccine. You will always remember to check your gauges from now on I'm sure :)

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Indeed I will!

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