Insulin administration

Insulin administration

1. types of insulin (length of action)

   • rapid
   • short
     • when mixing insulins : draw up shortest acting first!!
   • intermediate
   • long
   • Dont mix Lantus with others!!
   • Check Expiry date!!

2. injection site

   • posterior arm
   • anterior thigh
   • abdomen
   • avoid using same site many times
     • at least 1 1/2 inches apart
   • 45 - 90 degree angle to administer
   • alcohol swab of site

3. Check the "10 rights"*

4. keep needle in place 10 seconds// then apply cotton swab

5. recap needle; dispose of sharps !!

6. Assess Patient BEFORE and AFTER giving Insulin

   • and before / after giving snacks, meals etc.
   • Glucometer
     • If Insulin not sufficient consult sliding scale
   • symptoms of hypoglycemia?
   • symptoms of hyperglycemia?

7. Patient Education? Is the patient able to administer the dose themselves?

   • assess cognitive status and knowledge of patient

Images and files in the map