Hitting a blood vessel during an injection usually isn't harmful. However, it does require specific action to ensure the injection is administered correctly.
Identifying a Hit
The primary indication that you've hit a blood vessel during an injection is seeing blood in the syringe. Specifically:
- Blood appears in the hub (bottom) of the syringe before you push the plunger.
What to Do
According to the reference material, the proper procedure is as follows:
- Stop immediately: Do not inject the medication.
- Remove the needle: Withdraw the needle from the injection site.
Why Remove the Needle?
Injecting medication directly into a blood vessel can alter its intended absorption and effectiveness, potentially leading to:
- Reduced efficacy of the drug
- Unpredictable side effects
- Increased risk of complications depending on the medication
After Removal
After removing the needle, you should select a new injection site and prepare for a fresh injection.
Summary
| Action | Indication | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Blood in syringe (hub) | Needle has punctured a blood vessel before injection. | Remove the needle and select a new injection site to avoid injecting into the bloodstream. |
| No blood in syringe (hub) | Injection proceeds without entering a blood vessel. | Normal injection administration. |
