A nurse is preparing to administer insulin lispro (Humalog) to a client. Which action by the nurse indicates the need for further education about insulin administration?
A.
Administering insulin lispro within 15 minutes of a meal
B.
Using an insulin syringe to draw up the medication
C.
Ensuring the insulin lispro vial is properly stored in the refrigerator
D.
Injecting insulin lispro into the subcutaneous tissue
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C. Ensuring the insulin lispro vial is properly stored in the refrigerator.
Explanation:
Insulin lispro (Humalog) is a rapid-acting insulin used to manage blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. It is crucial for the nurse to adhere to proper administration protocols to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the medication. Here’s why each option is important and why option C indicates a need for further education:
A. Administering insulin lispro within 15 minutes of a meal: This is the correct practice. Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin designed to start working within 15 minutes of administration. Therefore, it should be administered close to mealtime to coincide with the peak of its action, which helps to manage postprandial (after-meal) blood glucose levels effectively.
B. Using an insulin syringe to draw up the medication: This is the correct practice. Insulin lispro should be administered using an insulin syringe, which is specifically designed for this purpose. Using the proper syringe ensures accurate dosing and reduces the risk of errors.
C. Ensuring the insulin lispro vial is properly stored in the refrigerator: This is incorrect. While insulin lispro vials should be refrigerated before opening to maintain their potency, once opened, they should be stored at room temperature (usually between 59-86°F or 15-30°C) to prevent discomfort from cold insulin and to ensure proper insulin action. Keeping opened vials in the refrigerator can cause discomfort and may not be ideal for consistent insulin administration. The vials should be discarded after a specified time, often around 28 days, as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
D. Injecting insulin lispro into the subcutaneous tissue: This is the correct practice. Insulin lispro is intended for subcutaneous injection, typically into the abdominal area, thigh, or upper arm. Injecting it into the subcutaneous tissue ensures proper absorption and effectiveness.
In summary, the action that indicates a need for further education is option C, as insulin lispro should be stored at room temperature after opening, not in the refrigerator. Proper storage ensures both comfort for the patient and the effectiveness of the medication.