Aspirate on Rhogam IM?

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

I was given conflicting information from my clinical instructor and my (RN) wife today, and I come to you, AN, for confirmation.

When giving a Postpartum woman an injection of Rhogham (IM in deltoid), should you or should you not aspirate for blood return? What is the justification for whichever you feel it is?

Thanks, nursing pals!

EDIT: Now that I think of it, perhaps I should have posted this in the OB forum...oh well.

[Jolie, BSN]

Since the manufacturer emphasizes that this drug should not be given IV, I would aspirate to avoid inadvertent IV administration.

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

Since the manufacturer emphasizes that this drug should not be given IV, I would aspirate to avoid inadvertent IV administration.

That's what I thought, and what my wife confirmed for me. I'll have to bring it up next week in clinicals and see what justification my clinical instructor has for not doing so.

[GrumpyRN63, ADN, RN]

I agree, plus I've always given it GM not deltoid

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

I agree, plus I've always given it GM not deltoid

Hmm, she also insisted that I do it deltoid...another question to verify!

[GOMER42]

Hmm, she also insisted that I do it deltoid...another question to verify!

The deltoid is the preferred site due to risk for sciatic injury with gluteal injection

Here's another thread debating aspiration

https://allnurses.com/forums/f8/aspirate-always-270273.html

Evidentally, the WHO and CDC state that there is no evidence that this practice is beneficial, and may just prolong pain by keeping the needle in the tissue for an extended period.

[GrumpyRN63, ADN, RN]

Well, there's always a risk of sciatic injury with ANY GM inj if one doesn't know thier landmarks and fails to do it properly,; you wouldn't give Iron or Vistaril in the deltoid 2/2 its highly irritating properties,-- some solutions require a big muscle-

and I must disagree with that nonsense the CDC stating aspirating for placement is not beneficial, pure hogwash, I really don't think keeping a needle in for an additional second can cause more harm than inadvertently injecting into a vein would JMTC

[Jolie, BSN]

So what did your instructor say?

[RNKel, ASN, RN]

I've given RhoGAM in the deltoid due to patient's request. Was going to give it ventrogluteal, but she asked for the delt. We never use dorsogluteal, were taught it isn't to be used.

I also aspirated.

I just completed a flu clinic yesterday and we didn't aspirate. The RN's at the health dept explained that if we're getting it into the muscle, we're not going to hit an artery.

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

So what did your instructor say?

Haven't gotten to ask her yet, as I've died from strep throat over the last week.

[Jolie, BSN]

Sorry to hear of your untimely demise :) Hope you are soon revived!

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

Sorry to hear of your untimely demise :) Hope you are soon revived!

Thanks. I'm so hungry.