Help!! I have to give my dad IM injections (vit b12) and haven't had to give an IM injection in quite some time (I currently work in the OR and don't need to administer injections). I've been reading the best site to give it is ventrogluteal, but I'm not that comfortable with that since I've never done that at all.... at least I've done them in the deltoid before - even though it was a long time ago and only a couple times. My dad is super skinny and his muscles have definitely atrophied (hence the vit b12 needed), but he does still have a little more muscle in his deltoid then I anticipated. The pharmacy gave me 22 gauge syringes with 1 1/2 length. My questions are:
-Do you think it's ok to administer in his deltoid vs. ventrogluteal?
-How deep do I actually go in with the needle if he doesn't have as much muscle as an average 66 yr old man? Should I stop at 1 inch? I'm Terrified to hit bone, but want to make sure he gets the med directly into muscle.
-Any other pointers/tips???
Thank you guys so much in advance for your help and advice (I know these are amateur questions, so no judging, please!) =)
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
PHEW!!!! Ok, all done-- went in smooth and he has way more muscle left there then I gave him credit for =) Was able to go probably about 85-90% of the 1 1/2 length in and never felt any bone. What a relief! Thanks so much everyone for all your support and advice!! Hope y'all have a great night!
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
No, you don't have to give your dad IM injections. You are not responsible to administer his prescribed medications, or covered under your licensure to do so.
Discuss this with his provider. Dad needs to go into the office to receive his injections.
Often, mobility and transportation are an issue with many people. It may not be feasible or possible for him to come to a clinic on a weekly basis.
We do this regularly with patients who need injections. If there is a willing family member who can do it, awesome. If not, depending on the insurance, it might cover a home health service to come out.
Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.
Of course she can give the injections as his caregiver! I have trained countless non=licensed individuals on how to safely adminster all types of injectables .I even have trained caregivers on how to start IVs.Last summer I trained a patient's husband how to start IVS.LAST as as he needed to give monthly infusions to his wife.The fact that she has a nursing license is just a bonus
Of course she can give the injections as his caregiver! I have trained countless non=licensed individuals on how to safely adminster all types of injectables .I even have trained caregivers on how to start IVs.Last summer I trained a patient's husband how to start IVS.LAST as as he needed to give monthly infusions to his wife.The fact that she has a nursing license is just a bonus
And what happens to the licensed professional if something untoward happens? I am speaking with been there,done that experience. I administered injections ( and more) to my son and my father. I took on that responsibility because I loved them. In the grand scheme of things, I should have never had to see my father's azz and it was not fair of the system to use me to provide caretaker duties. The provider needed to make other arrangements.
OP was obviously so anxious about this that she came to AN for guidance. OP should NOT have been placed in this situation.
Hi Klone. Nothing untoward happened. I was (kinda) smart like the OP and did my research before I stuck those needles in my family. I realize in the hospital setting , I am covered to stick it to them.In the home setting ..where I am NOT their assigned caregiver.. who the heck knows?
Not trying to play the "lose my license" card. Sincerely wondering now.. what could have happened with my licensure if I screwed up the injection.(Like hitting the sciatic nerve) The purpose of OP's post was to learn how to perform an IM injection. I feel nurses should NOT be placed in that position.
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
Hi Klone. Nothing untoward happened. I was (kinda) smart like the OP and did my research before I stuck those needles in my family. I realize in the hospital setting , I am covered to stick it to them.In the home setting ..where I am NOT their assigned caregiver.. who the heck knows?
Well, you would be covered in the hospital, so long as you did not do anything wrong (i.e. used wrong technique and harmed the patient). The same is true in the home setting. A nurse is not going to "lose their license" if they followed prudent care in how the injection was given, and the family member simply had an adverse reaction to the medication.
I agree with you that coming to Allnurses to ask about appropriate method in giving injections is not good practice. But that said, caregivers (even ones that hold licenses) give home injections ALL THE TIME. It's not a big deal. Sometimes, it's the only way a person can get their needed injection.
"you would be covered, so long as you did not do anything wrong" That is the question! What if the nurse, forced into the situation to administer to the family member.. DID do something wrong?
Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.
"you would be covered, so long as you did not do anything wrong" That is the question! What if the nurse, forced into the situation to administer to the family member.. DID do something wrong?
Would your family member sue you or make a complaint to the nursing board? If not I wouldn't worry. If so, I wouldn't do it.
Would your family member sue you or make a complaint to the nursing board? If not I wouldn't worry. If so, I wouldn't do it.
Devil's advocate/ worst case scenario time.
What if the family member/nurse hits the sciatic nerve? Patient now has permanent damage. What is the provider,insurance company or Medicare going to do with THAT? Again looking back... I should have NEVER taken that responsibility. Nurses already have plenty. Family and providers should NOT expect us to provide (FREE) care.
OrganizedChaos, LVN
1 Article; 6,883 Posts
Glad it went well! [emoji4]