Specialties Pediatric
Published Jan 30, 2003
15 members have participated
Darlene K.
341 Posts
This is probably a stupid question.....but, several nurses at our pedi urgent care facility want to give all of their IM injections with nothing larger than a 23g needle. We frequently give Rocephin and Bicillin. I like to use a 21g to 22g and I now I am being told that is too large!
Any opinions would be appreciated!:
WalMart_ADN
143 Posts
depends on how big the kid is, personally....i would not use a 21g on an infant....
prmenrs, RN
4,565 Posts
I agree w/Walmart. In NICU, we routinely give blood thru a 24g IV, absolutely a no-no almost every where else. And we would never give an IM w/ >than a 25ga needle.
Size dependent decisions!
Mattigan, RN
175 Posts
I use 22's. Almost always. Length varies though.
nurs4kids
753 Posts
I'm with prmenrs..
we frequently give all meds, even blood, through a 24ga angiocath..not just on the infants, but on other kids with difficult-to-access veins.
I would NEVER use bigger than a 23 ga on ANY kid..
and on a small child/infant, I always use a 25ga.
What's the benefit of a larger bore needle? Sure, it's easier to push, but does that make it less or more painful for the patient?
IRISHBREAD
41 Posts
DEPENDING ON THE SIZE OF THE CHILD ON SMALL CHILDREN I WOULDN'T USE ANYTHING LARGER THAN 23 G ON TEENAGERS I WOULD CONSIDER A 22 G