Question 15 of 35

You are right. Check to see if the needle is dull or if there is a barb on the end of the needle.

Since it appears the same needle was used for the PSA, MSA, ASA and GP on this patient, the needle is most likely dull. Three penetrations are usually the limit before a needle loses its sharpness. The needle should be changed prior to any other injections.

Also, there could be a fishhook-type barb on the end of the needle. The clinician can place the needle on a sterile 2 x 2 gauze and draw it backward to see if it catches or snags. If it does, the needle should be discarded as it will cause pain upon insertion. This can usually be found out prior to any injection being given with the needle.

You should know whether the patient is allergic to the local anesthetic or topical anesthetic PRIOR to administering the injection.