Changing needles for injections...

[Otessa, BSN, RN]

I have a question about changing needles for injections.

Drawing up with one needle and then changing the needle prior to injection (IM).

There are new needle-syringe combos (Vanishpoint for example) where youdraw up and give with the same needle.

Is there any reason that you would change the needle-----and no "that's the way we've always done it"

I would like a solid reason one way or the either.

Thanks for your input.

otessa

[DuluthMike]

Is there any reason that you would change the needle-----and no "that's the way we've always done it"

Think of medications that will have a harmful or especially irritating effect on the SQ tissue. Swapping needles also maintains the maximum integrity of the needle tip. More integrity equates to potentially less pain.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

Dull needle = less pain.

Multiple uses of needle (drawing up, then injecting) = dull needle.

[GeauxNursing]

Dull needle = less pain.

Multiple uses of needle (drawing up, then injecting) = dull needle.

you meant dull needle = more pain, right?

[SteffersRN87, BSN, RN]

I would remove the needle from the syrgine and draw up your medication with a blunt needle and the replace the original needle...

[RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN]

Dull needle = less pain.

Multiple uses of needle (drawing up, then injecting) = dull needle.

Don't quite understand this post. Dull needle = more pain.

I always change out my needles after drawing up meds, ALWAYS!!

[SandraCVRN]

We use 18 g blunt fill to draw up then switch to whatever we need for injection.

[CynicallyVexed]

when in doubt change the needle. Just because your facility provides the combo set doesn't mean that you are automatically opt'ed out of changing that needle after drawing up a medication.

I ALWAYS change my needle out prior to any adm (not insulin) if I'm drawing it up where the needle can be safely removed and replaced.

I would hate to think that I could possible hurt my patient in anyway just because I didn't take two seconds to check and see if they drug can be given with the same draw up needle or the few seconds that it takes just to change that needle.

Infact some facilities are getting rid of the combo sets in my area just for the fact that nurses are forgeting to change out them needles.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

I meant that a dull needle = more pain. Sorry. Cerebral flatulence. :)

[lerabelle]

Agree, the rubber stopper dulls the needle. I have always changed the needle. And I too usually use a larger gauge to draw up the med. It's just easier and quicker!

[Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN]

I think the point the OP is making is that with the new Vanish Point syringes, you CANNOT change the needle.

I have never changed my needle after drawing up a med. I have never even seen this practise.

[nursej22, MSN, RN]

We are strongly encouraged to use blunt needles for drawing up to decrease the chance of a needle stick injury.