What happens if you hit bone in an inj?

I hit the bone on a very thin old man. I don't think I hit it hard, he didn't notice, but I about lost it. Will there be any residual effects because of this?

:uhoh3: I can still remember hitting the bone in a frail little lady...I felt absolutely sick. I worried about it for a long time...all the what if's. What if it hurt and because she was so sick she didn't react, what if I caused some sort of bone damage, etc. Have never done it again, am so so careful to use a big cushy spot or a smaller needle:)

When I was a (very thin) teenager, a nurse hit my bone giving me my depo provera shot (HUGE NEEDLE COMES WITH MED). She looked so freaked out!!! But, I swear, it didn't hurt at all. Just a weird noise. ((Sigh)) now that I've gained 30 lbs from nursing school I just don't have that problem anymore LOL

Thanks for responding. I have been thinking abt it constantly. I have not been a nurse long and am going into the RN program soon. My biggest fear is making mistakes like this. I'm a perfectionist, and it freaks me out to think I may make a mistake on a human being. Very nerve racking for me.

I have wicked allergies, that in the past have necessitated giving myself injections. And I have hit bone. UGH! Awful sensation, but no pain nor any residual effect. Have also hit bone on patient- those thin little folks who have no meat on their bones. So I know exactly what you are talking about :uhoh21:

Specializes in ER/Trauma.

I have a question - is it possible that you hit bone and the needle (or part of it) snaps off? I've always had this worry/fret at the back of my mind everytime I give injections. My professors have assured me that it doesn't happen... but still, looking at how slender the shaft is... I still fret about it.

So, yeah, is it possible? I just wonder what would you do if it did happen. Dig it out? LOL

Specializes in ER/Trauma.
Audreyfay said:
I just had that yucky feeling like scraping my fingernails on a board!

Ack! Just reading about it made my teeth feel weird!

Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.
Roy Fokker said:
I have a question - is it possible that you hit bone and the needle (or part of it) snaps off? I've always had this worry/fret at the back of my mind everytime I give injections. My professors have assured me that it doesn't happen... but still, looking at how slender the shaft is... I still fret about it.

So, yeah, is it possible? I just wonder what would you do if it did happen. Dig it out? LOL

*eyes wide open in horror!* Yes it most certainly can!!!! I mean take a look at your needle and imagine darting it towards a brick wall??? YES it can happen and lord help ya! Luckily most of us are afriad of this and prevent..but one oopsie..and you can find yourself pulling out a half needle! I have seen it!

The trick is don't panic...it is a very nasty "sliver!"...it can be helped. Not that you ever want this...and you will feel horrible, but it does once in a blue moon on thursday happen! That is the case where you give the doc a ring...and ummmmmm..well..get it personally..but who counts...not you, not them..the client!

Plus...sorry, this sounds bad...but I have seen people with MORE metal objects in various (and I mean various) parts of their anatomy and live vs a small guage (which most RN's use...) in sub q or muscle tissue that they would hit be just fine!!!!!

Okay sorry...I worked with paramedics..I have seen too much I guess..rebar in the skull, car door pieces in the chest of an infant, fragments of various metal objects in areas...uhgggggggg, that really won't recover well (guys...ummmmm)...a needle is important..but put it into perspective...trust me..a needle broken or even screwed up on with a bone nick...nothing to worry about, consider what you can do better yes..but worth loosing sleep over..no! Just remember..appoligize..and move on to stopping that from happening by telling your story!

Specializes in ER/Trauma.

Thanks Triage RN!

LOL, you get what I'm talking about yeah? I mean... *EEEEEK* The HORROR! LOL

jaimealmostRN said:
When I was a (very thin) teenager, a nurse hit my bone giving me my depo provera shot (HUGE NEEDLE COMES WITH MED). She looked so freaked out!!! But, I swear, it didn't hurt at all. Just a weird noise. ((Sigh)) now that I've gained 30 lbs from nursing school I just don't have that problem anymore LOL

Thanks to all of you who responded to my question. I feel so much better w/all your support, hints, and advice. I really appreciate you taking the time to help me out. Thanks again. I can sleep w/out seeing that little bity old man now.

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