What went wrong with my IM injection?

Nurses Safety

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Hey all. So I have a question. I'm currently working as a flu nurse (I am a new grad) and have given more than 100 shots. However today I had a patient who I gave the shot to, had a bubble of blood arise quickly after withdrawing the needle.. (No blood on needle entrance or injection) I grabbed some gauze and it stopped bleeding right away however I felt a small hematoma form. I felt bad bc the blood happened to get on his shirt :/. I asked him if he was on blood thinners and he said no but when I mentioned ASA he said he took one last night. He was muscular for an older gentleman too. I apologized profusely. But he just didn't say anything. I know I gave it in the right site bc I land marked it beforehand as always... But I've never ever ever had this happen before. Now I'm nervous... That he might be the type to sue... But has this happened to anyone?

My nursing school and my current employer has taught us not to aspirate. I think I probably should after what happened.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Get sued? Because you stuck a needle in someone and they bled? You didn't do anything wrong- sometimes it just happens.

Sharp object + skin = sometimes blood

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Sounds like you clipped a capillary on the way out. It happens.

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Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

He signed a consent, it is a risk. I don't think it's anything to be concerned about. I had similar incident with a B12 injection. It healed fine.

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Specializes in Med nurse in med-surg., float, HH, and PDN.

You should see the hips of a patient who has rec'd /is receiving a lot of IM injections! Lumps, bumps, and various shades of fresh, fading, and faded bruises. It will all reabsorb, eventually.

Don't sweat it.

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That happens doesn't mean you did anything wrong. Imagine hitting a bone during an emergency IM administration to an agitated patient. Worst feeling.

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Specializes in Education.

That happened to me when I received my flu vaccine this year. And last year. It happens, it goes away. I'm still alive.

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Specializes in Med nurse in med-surg., float, HH, and PDN.
That happens doesn't mean you did anything wrong. Imagine hitting a bone during an emergency IM administration to an agitated patient. Worst feeling.

Oh, yeah, that is a distinct sensation......thud......It's a feeling like no other!

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Specializes in NICU.
That happens doesn't mean you did anything wrong. Imagine hitting a bone during an emergency IM administration to an agitated patient. Worst feeling.

Imagine hitting the femur giving the vitamin K shot to a newborn 24 weeker. Oh... My... God... Eek!

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Well I won't say it's impossible, but it's VERY unlikely that that patient will sue. Things happen. Just because he bled it does not mean you did something wrong. I got my flu vaccine yesterday. You should see the redness, swelling, and warmth I have from that IM inj. I only bled like a drop. I'll survive it. He will too.

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Once, working float, I gave an IM to a patient in the forensic wing (prison? wing) . While having two correction officers watch me, I gave this inmate/patient who had HUGE muscles (obviously worked out a LOT) an IM. I jabbed and whoops, the needle BOUNCED off of him and went flying. I guess I was nervous.....

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.
Well I won't say it's impossible, but it's VERY unlikely that that patient will sue.

And sue for what?? The cost of his shirt? Ugh... Kinda sad that nurses are worried about getting sued over such a silly little thing. He'll get over it.

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