I just got a needle stick after injecting a pt. SQ :(

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I am really sad and scared after this. It happened yesterday morning and I looked at the pt. chart and I didn't see anything other than active MRSA. I even asked the pt. if they had any diseases and pt said no, but you never know about these people. This pt. is in there 70's and Im guessing if the pt did have something pt. would have problems right? All this person has is COPD and diabetes.

I finished giving insulin when i went to pull up the safety lock is when i stabbed the hell out of my thumb, even broke the needle. All doctor did was draw blood...:(

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

Well, the pt. could still have bloodborne pathogens and not yet be symptomatic though not so likely in that age range.

I presume that the patient's blood was drawn and run to screen for HepC and HIV. You should know very quickly whether the pt. is + for either of them. Other than those, I wouldn't worry too much.

Sorry to hear about the stick. It remains one of my great fears, especially with the population that I see often in the ER.

The odds are, it's all fine, but I'm sure it's a horrifying realization.

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Specializes in ICU,Acute Care, LTACH, Post Op /Recovery.

I agree with "In My". I have managed to obtain 3 needle sticks in my career (No, I'm not not uncoordinated, just luck of the draw. Be aware of unexpected pt movement, one went into a seizure just as I pulled out the needle), another time the pt jerked the syringe fell and the stupid thing ended up sticking me 2 more times before all was said and done, I was pretty mortified (oh, and please don't wear crocks with holes in the top). I am fortunate to say (knock on wood) that I have not had one in several years (and again, luck of the draw), but I did not end up with one problem from any of them. Remain informed, but don't borrow trouble. The chances of something completely off the wall are not profound, but I completely understand that moment of "time standing still".......

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Be sure to report the incident and get the support you need. It must be really scary not knowing.

Best wishes to you.

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