Immunization Ordered 0.5mL---give whole vial??

[4Karrie2]

I hope someone can clarify this and fast. I am going to be giving subQ and IM immunizations starting next week with my Peds instructor. Today at clinical orientation, she told us that even though the dose for the immunizations may be 0.5 mL, that since we are using single use vials we do NOT give 0.5ml. but whatever is in the vial. Frankly, this just sounds plain wrong to me, but perhaps I am mistaken and this is how it's done? I certainly do not want to over-immunize any child and need an answer fast. Also, at immunization lab last week, she said we are to aspirate when giving subQ injections , but all the other instructors told us that it is no longer being done, though none of them would correct her to her face. So to aspirate or not to aspirate?

[Christine2009]

First off, I believe that you would base the injection on the pt's weight and then administer the immunization. Since it is a single use vial whatever is left over would be thrown away in the "sharps" (at least this is what we were told in clinical).

Second of all, in regards to SubQ aspirations, we were told that you do aspirate, but then I would just go with what the instructor says and if you feel differently, then I would bring it to the instructors attention for clarification.

HTH!

[StudentNurse2142]

Did she give you Ped math?

Surface Area of the child X Adult dose

1.7

You still aspirate giving an IM, but why would you aspirate giving a subq? your in the fat not a muscle, your not going to be pulling up blood.....

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

If this instructor is the one who'll be with you during your sub-q injections, then I'd say ASPIRATE! She's the one grading you on it.

Now, I've never been told nor have I ever heard of aspirating a sub-q..an IM of course but never a sub-q.

[Aurora77]

We were taught to draw up the med--not just rely on what the package says is in the vial. We also were told not to aspirate subQ injections; in some cases, it's contraindicated. I'd ask your instructor for clarification.