[optimal] Re: When to remove needle

  • From: "Peterson John C" <JPeterson@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: <optimal@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Thu, 9 Jun 2011 09:27:07 -0500

We always remove the needle right away. I believe that some of the
"ouch" you describe is the sting from FA dye left in the needle. We
routinely draw back a bit of blood to clear the dye out of the needle
bore.
 
No complaints from our patients so far.
 
******** 
John C. Peterson, BS, CRA 
Director of Ophthalmic Photography Services 
UW Health Eye Clinic 
2880 University Ave., Rm. 246 
Madison, WI 53705 
(608) 263-7163 
 

________________________________

From: optimal-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:optimal-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Richard Morrone
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2011 9:14 AM
To: optimal@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [optimal] When to remove needle


        
Hello all,
 
After decades of performing FA's I have recently received resistance
from nursing at one facility regarding my request that the nurse not
remove the butterfly during the first minute or two so as not to
distract the patient during the rapid sequence of flashes in an FA.
 
I have had patients look down at the arm or be startled or even say
"ouch!" when the needle is pulled.  Nursing does not believe that that
would occur.
 
They seemed concerned about the metal needle of our 23g butterfly being
left in, and they want to remove the needle immediately after injecting.
They said that to do otherwise would put the patient at risk.  So much
for getting the A-V phase with all of that activity occurring.
 
I could suggest the use of angiocaths (with the soft plastic
needle/sleeve) to address the metal needle concern, but they do cost
more.
 
Does anyone have a sample protocol that mentions when the "needle" is
removed?   Or... can you just describe your procedure?
 
Thanks,
 
Richard Morrone, C.R.A.

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