Injections

kimmicoobug · Nov 29, 2002

My only experience with ID injections is using lidocaine to start IV's. On my last patient, I injected her twice and missed twice. It seemed like I found a nice perfect vein and after using the lidocaine, the vein disappeared. I have only missed one other time and that was with a woman who had darker skin and I just couldn't see the veins. I could only feel them.

RN-PA, RN · Nov 29, 2002

I've had to do three ID injections for PPD tests to rule out TB on our Med/Surg floor in the past year. I've found that good lighting and sitting in a chair next to the bed with the bed raised slightly so I can get close to the same level as my patient's forearm helps me with my technique, as well as holding the skin taut, keeping the bevel of the needle up, and I've been able to get a good wheal (or bleb) each time, thankfully.

neneRN, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2002

I've never had to do one, but in school, we practiced on hotdogs- you can actually see the bleb.

Flo1216 · Dec 1, 2002

I have never given one. I would have no idea how, actually. I think we went over it briefly Freshmen year. Shoot...I had forgotten all about that!

kimmicoobug · Dec 1, 2002

That hot dog idea is a good idea....

moonchild20002000 · Dec 1, 2002

The more you do the better you will be. I think the idea of using a hot dog is great!

Mkue · Dec 1, 2002

Hot Dog is a good idea !!

Thanks everyone:)

jschut, BSN, RN · Dec 1, 2002

We used a hotdog in our clinical setting too.

I did fine with that, but when it came time to give one to my partner, I couldn't get it, so I ended up having to gove one to my instructor, who said I was doing fine, had everything right, but it just wouldn't bleb! I was soooooo scared! But she was a very kind and wonderful lady.......(Thank You God!)

Mkue · Dec 2, 2002

Originally posted by Julielpn
We used a hotdog in our clinical setting too.
I did fine with that, but when it came time to give one to my partner, I couldn't get it, so I ended up having to gove one to my instructor, who said I was doing fine, had everything right, but it just wouldn't bleb! I was soooooo scared! But she was a very kind and wonderful lady.......(Thank You God!)

Thanks Julie !

The dreaded "bleb"..lol.. My instructor offered herself too, she is so nice:)

futurenurse03 · Dec 17, 2002

We practiced on hotdogs for ID injections and oranges for IM injections, it was pretty neat! Although, it still isn't like giving it to a human being. My theory is practice makes perfect!

MRed94 · Dec 17, 2002

If you choose to go to LTC, you will do them more often than yoy think. A lot of clinic nurses do them, too.

I do them on an average of about 2 a week. So I am getting REAL good at them.

M