Needle stick question

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Hey everyone,

I had a little scare today. Nursing school has made me paranoid for some reason so maybe im just over reacting but I wanted some feedback on a situation I had today. I was with my nurse preceptor in a patients room and I was administering heparin via subq shot. I drew the heparin into the needle and administered it to the patient. After I administered the medication I flipped the protector for the needle up. Its a pink sleave-like protector that doesnt completely cover the needle but it does help to prevent needle sticks. I dumped the needle in the sharps container and thats it. after like 2 minutes of talking to the patient with the nurse, the nurse hands me a food tray and while I was holding it I felt an uncomfortable pain on my pinky, it wasnt a sharp pain thhough/ I put the tray down and when I took off my gloves to wash my hands, I squeezed my pinky to see if there was blood or something and found nothing. later while in the hallway I inspected my pinky and there was a sort of dry spot that look like dead skin peeling. the area was like the size of a drop which is obviously bigger than the width of a 27gauge needle. Long storry short, is it possible to have a needle stick with out feeling it? I traced back the steps in my head and I really dont think I could have stuck my self. I always take my time giving shots no matter how many times I have done it. I didnt say anything to anyone because I really think that I could have had something on my pinky from before and the pressure from the tray made the discomfort kick in, FYI the tray was heavy cuz it was loaded with things. Should I be worried? FYI when I draw meds from a vial, I grab the needle in a way that I put my pink at the end of the plunger which coencides with the spot were the skin was dry and peeling. Maybe im being critical but I rather be safe that sorry.

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It does not sound like you were stuck, but if you are still having concerns I would talk to your instructor. I know that my school offers to do blood work from both the patient and yourself if this sort of thing happens. Even talking to your teacher may ease some of your worries, even though it is after the fact.

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Yeah makes sense. really appreciate your feedback.

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