Needlestick from insulin pen + breastfeeding

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi everyone,

I had a needle stick injury from an insulin pen.:unsure: When I disposed of the needle in the sharps, I actually touched the end (the end opposite of where the patient was injected), and stuck myself. It bled a little, but only when I squeezed it. The patient was a child, so that makes me think the odds of infectious disease transmission are already lower, however he immigrated from a third world country. So, I'm honestly not sure if that increases his risk or not? What worries me the most is that I am breastfeeding! I already talked to my pediatrician, who said it was fine to continue as long as I didn't think the family was involved in any "risky" behaviors like drug usage, which I don't think they are...

Basically, I want to know, what would other nurses do in this situation? Would you stop breastfeeding? I have been reading about HIV transmission rates being especially high when antibodies are first produced and it's got me very paranoid now :( any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN

4 Articles; 7,907 Posts

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Per the AN Terms of Service, we can not give you medical advice.

You have seen your PCP and gotten advice, which is good. However, you and your PCP should not fall into the trap of thinking that because the patient is a child that the risk is lower. You just do not know the child's history. If you are still uncomfortable with his/her advice and the idea of continuing breastfeeding, then you can always stop. You should be discussing your concerns further with him/her.

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