(3) Plunge the needle firmly and quickly into the muscle to the depth of the
needle with a steady straightforward motion. A quick insertion of the needle will
minimize the pain for the patient.
n. Aspirate Syringe. Aspirate the syringe as follows (see figure 2-6).
Figure 2-6. Aspirate the syringe.
(1)
Release the hold on the skin.
(2)
Move the free hand to the plunger of the syringe.
(3)
Pull back the plunger until slight resistance is felt.
(4) Check for blood entering the syringe. If blood appears in the syringe, do
not administer the medication. Proceed as follows:
(a) Withdraw the needle from the skin at a 90-degree angle.
(b) Dispose of the needle and syringe (see procedures for
accomplishing this at the end of this lesson).
(c)
Explain your actions to the patient.
(d) Obtain another (sterile) needle and syringe.
(e) Select another injection site.
(f)
Start the injection procedure over, following the instructions already
provided.
CAUTION:
Failure to aspirate for blood before injecting could result in administering
medication into a blood vessel, which would endanger the life of the
patient. This is because the entire amount is instantly available for the
body to use.
MD0552
2-9