Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) Practice Exam

What is the recommended action if the patient indicates pain during an injection?

1. Continue administration but slow down

2. Stop the injection immediately

3. Adjust the angle of the needle

4. Ask the patient to relax

The correct answer is: Stop the injection immediately

In the context of administering injections, if a patient indicates pain, the recommended action is to stop the injection immediately. This response is crucial for several reasons. First, the presence of pain may signify that the injection is being administered incorrectly, such as the needle hitting a nerve or entering a vascular structure, which could lead to further complications for the patient. Immediate cessation allows the healthcare provider to assess the situation, ensuring the patient's safety and comfort. It also opens the opportunity for further evaluation, such as repositioning the needle or considering a different site for administration if indicated. Taking prompt action in response to a patient's feedback demonstrates attentiveness and acknowledges the importance of patient-reported sensations during medical procedures. While adjusting the angle of the needle, slowing down the administration, or asking the patient to relax might seem like viable options in other contexts, these actions can overlook the necessity of stopping and reassessing the situation, potentially putting the patient at risk of increased pain or injury.