mel j rn

Maybe I didn't clarify myself on one point--he is NOT using an IV needle in the mouth! I am referring to the syringe needle (28 or 30 gauge) for the local anesthetic. But a needle nonethless...

I agree with the alternate flora concept. That was actually my first thought and the main basis for my speaking up. Yes, it's the same patient. But a totally different part of the body and a new stick! I just have this really bad situation with us being married and all... He is very well versed with the sedation protocol and safety, etc., but IV's are a bit newer to him (used to do just oral sedation). I'm hoping we can talk about this civilly in the next few days while the office is closed for holiday.

I work for a dentist (The Dr. and I are married) that is licensed for and does IV sedations. With IV cases, the patient is given a small bleb of local at the anticipated IV site to ease discomfort of insertion. My question...Is it okay to use the same needle in the mouth that was used to give the anesthetic bleb for the IV? (We use the same kind of anes. and actually, the same gauge needle, for both tasks) I do not feel like it is. The Dr. commented that the mouth is super dirty (true) and that it shouldn't make a difference. I would have brought it up with the Dr. later in private, but he was upset with an assistant that was about to change the needle after the IV anes. was placed and I was concerned that he was going to use the same needle in the mouth. I really felt like I was advocating for the safety of my patient. But I also know that I 'corrected' the Dr. in front of other staff and really put him on the spot. What do I do??? Does anyone have any articles or documentation on something like this?