possible needlestick or just paranoid

[grace202004]

First thanks to all that are reading this,

I worked a very busy shift last night. Checked two blood sugars, and gave one insulin injection through an insulin pen. This was my only contact with sharps that I am aware of. At one point during the shift I also had to go through the little trash can on my med cart. I was checking to find a medication wrapper (It was a med I later found out should have been held and I wanted to be sure I did not inadvertantly give it, which I did find I did not) While going through the trash which was mainly gloves and med wrappers, I was careful and was wearing gloves. I do not remember seeing any sharps and dont remember ever feeling a prick or anything to make me think I had been poked. Near the end of the night I was inspecting my hands as they are very dry and I am a worry wart anyway, and I found a small red dot on the soft pad of my finger on my right hand. I squeezed it and there was no blood, just a red dot that I immediately thought looked like I had been poked with a sharp. My question is would you worry about this? I know I am a worry wart and have OCD, so I worry about everything, but never having felt anything would you think it was a needlestick? I just don't know where else this little dot came from, as I don't remember ever doing it....

Thanks in advance to all that reply.

[kayern]

Here are a couple of things to consider:

1. Before going through your garbage, did you check the patients med drawer to see if the med that should have been held was in the draw. If so, no need to go through the garbage.

2. If you HAVE TO go through the garbage, which I highly advise against, get a disposable chux and empty the garbage onto the chux. Use a ruler or something like that to move the garbage and of course use gloves.

3. Call your Employee Health department immediately for guidance.

When you give meds, hopefully you follow the 5 rights and open all medication at the patients bedside and sign as you go.

[IndtrpRN]

If you didnt feel a needle stick-them im sure u just nicked u hand on something else or it cracked from being dry. I always get little cuts from me being clumsy or my skin being real dry. When you stick youself with a needle you'll know it. Ive stuck myself with many clean needles. If you are worried or doubtful you could go to employee health. but I think ure in the clear :)