Flu shot advice

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello nurses!

I am a first year medical student. We will be administering flu shots to each other in a clinical class later this week. I would love some advice from the pros!

Thanks a bunch

Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.
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Let the alcohol dry.

Don't make a face the first time you hit bone.

What is the correct thing to do when one hits the bone?

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Before i give them the shot, I reassure them the injection will not hurt me so in case they are worrying about me, I'll be OK.

You could also inform the client that there is a good possibility the injection won't hurt him/her either. I've had more patients tell me they felt nothing or didn't realize I had administered it because there was no sensation.

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Do you have a reference to cite?

I'm just a first-semester nursing student, but we were taught that Z-track was only for injections that irritate the skin - like iron.

However, internet sites are mixed. Nursingcenter.com advises using it on all IM injections (with very little to no academic or research support).

It's not like you'll do any harm by Z-tracking, but it doesn't appear necessary for a flu shot.

Reminds me a bit of aspirating. As a medic, I was taught to aspirate all IM injections (the year was 2002). As the research rolled in, they decided it wasn't helpful. My current (nursing school) book calls it "optional," and I've had one teacher insist upon it, with the others telling us it's not worthwhile and just prolongs the injection.

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