Published
Well I won't say it's impossible, but it's VERY unlikely that that patient will sue. Things happen. Just because he bled it does not mean you did something wrong. I got my flu vaccine yesterday. You should see the redness, swelling, and warmth I have from that IM inj. I only bled like a drop. I'll survive it. He will too.
Once, working float, I gave an IM to a patient in the forensic wing (prison? wing) . While having two correction officers watch me, I gave this inmate/patient who had HUGE muscles (obviously worked out a LOT) an IM. I jabbed and whoops, the needle BOUNCED off of him and went flying. I guess I was nervous.....
littlemissfit
49 Posts
Hey all. So I have a question. I'm currently working as a flu nurse (I am a new grad) and have given more than 100 shots. However today I had a patient who I gave the shot to, had a bubble of blood arise quickly after withdrawing the needle.. (No blood on needle entrance or injection) I grabbed some gauze and it stopped bleeding right away however I felt a small hematoma form. I felt bad bc the blood happened to get on his shirt :/. I asked him if he was on blood thinners and he said no but when I mentioned ASA he said he took one last night. He was muscular for an older gentleman too. I apologized profusely. But he just didn't say anything. I know I gave it in the right site bc I land marked it beforehand as always... But I've never ever ever had this happen before. Now I'm nervous... That he might be the type to sue... But has this happened to anyone?
My nursing school and my current employer has taught us not to aspirate. I think I probably should after what happened.