Ampules still being used, Ouch!

jeffrey_rn · Oct 7, 2006

I guess it's just a matter of time (and lawsuits). It will only take one incident where a nurse cuts a finger on an ampule of phenergan, has to have the finger amputated (phenergan is notorious for eating away subcutaneous fascia) and calls the lawyer. Then and only then will ampules shelf life expire.

Dakkon76 · Oct 7, 2006

I probably should have received a few stitches myself but I just did not feel like running down to the ER in the middle of the night. The steri-strip seems to be holding things together for now.

I say go to the ER for stitches next time it happens. A few write-ups of this incident may prompt some change faster than any other means :)

greatshakes · Oct 8, 2006

Must be different in Oz. last time I was at clinical all the morphine, pethedine and heparin plus some I can't remember, were in ampoules. It hasn't changed here has it?.

ukrn2ca · Oct 8, 2006

The uk NHS uses ampoules for almost everything, I guess it must be cheeper to produce things in ampoules. On our ward we must have at least one nurse every day cut a finger on those blasted things. I cover them with inside of the syringe packaging before snapping, it's not fool proof but does offer some protection.

RobCPhT · Oct 8, 2006

Some meds still require storage in ampules. You can get disposable ampule breakers from the pharmacy. They cover the top completly and catch the glass. Inexpensive too.

piper_for_hire · Oct 9, 2006

Yes! Forget 2x2s, I use a stack of 4x4s or an ABD. Those things are dangerous. It's only a matter of time before I slice up my hand. Still use them in the ICU for lido and a few other things. They should be banned!

-S

daisystar1221 · Oct 9, 2006

I work on an Orthopedic's floor and we still have Demerol in ampules.

Pat_Pat RN · Oct 9, 2006

I*think* our ampules come with those little plastic sleeve things on them. All the ones I've ever seen have had them on there.

Pat

wooh, BSN, RN · Oct 9, 2006

I have had the same thought of glass shards too, pulling up to give IM. I always look very carefully but it has crossed my mind that it could get in there if not carefully pulled up.
Olivia CMA

Always use a filter needle or filter straw to pull up from an ampule.

West_Coast_Ken, BSN, RN · Oct 10, 2006

I haven't seen them in years! Sooo what meds are still coming in them? I think the last thing I used was phenergan?

I gave 10 mg vitamin K just today from an ampule.

mamalala · Oct 10, 2006

I work in an outpatient clinic setting. We have ampules for phenergan and nubain in our offices.

There are special tools made to score and then break the ampule top off. The top remains in the tool until the user holds it over a sharps container and pushes a plunger to release it into the box.

You should work with your pharmacy staff and/or safety coordinator to obtain these. We started using them as part of a safer sharps initiative. :nurse:

PICNICRN, BSN, RN · Oct 10, 2006

I have opened several of these little stinkers and hate it every time. I use a 2x2 and have always broken the top away from me. Well, I opened a defective one last night! The top came off and broke in a strange way. The bottom portion still had a large triangular shaped piece attached and Yep, SLICE! I sliced my thumb pretty bad. A nice slice from the center of my Thumb pad to under the thumb nail. I was bleeding like a stuck pig! It did not hurt but it bled for quite a while. One of the nurses I work with put a steri-strip on it. We then proceeded to wrap it to with-in an inch of its life. I woke up today because my poor finger was throbbing. It is a little swollen today but OUCH! It really hurts.
Why do we still have to use these antiquated little forms of medication. Hasn'ttechnology advanced enough to place these meds in a normal vial with a rubber stopper that can be pushed inside?

Someone once showed me a trick to aviod this- take a bulb syringe(they are plentyful in the NICU where I work) or I remember from school long ago they called them "ear syringes" in the adult world..... anyway, cut off the tip. It is perfect to slip over the end of the amp before opening! I keep one in my pocket always and haven't been cut since. Hope you're all healed!!!