Question

Calculate the dosage of insulin where necessary, and shade the dosage on the syringe provided. Labels have been provided for some problems. Order: Novolin R U-100 40 units subcut and Novolin N U-100 10 units subcut at \(7: 30 \mathrm{AM}\)

Short answer

Draw 40 units Novolin R (0.4 mL) and 10 units Novolin N (0.1 mL) into the syringe for a total of 0.5 mL.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Order

The order requires administering two types of insulin: Novolin R and Novolin N. Novolin R U-100 is to be given as 40 units, and Novolin N U-100 is to be given as 10 units; both are administered subcutaneously.

Understanding Insulin Units and Syringe

Each type of insulin lists its concentration as U-100, which means there are 100 units of insulin per milliliter. This is essential when considering how much volume each dosage represents on a syringe.

Calculate Volume for Novolin R

For Novolin R, which requires 40 units:Since 1 mL contains 100 units, the amount of insulin to draw is calculated as follows:\[\text{Volume of Novolin R} = \frac{40 \text{ units}}{100}\times1 \text{ mL} = 0.4 \text{ mL}\]

Calculate Volume for Novolin N

Similarly, for Novolin N, which requires 10 units:\[\text{Volume of Novolin N} = \frac{10 \text{ units}}{100}\times1 \text{ mL} = 0.1 \text{ mL}\]

Drawing the Insulin into the Syringe

Use an insulin syringe marked in units. First draw 0.4 mL (40 units) of Novolin R, then draw an additional 0.1 mL (10 units) of Novolin N, making sure both types of insulin do not mix (to avoid contamination and dosage error). The total volume will be 0.5 mL on the syringe.

Key concepts

Subcutaneous Injection

Administering insulin through a subcutaneous injection is a common practice for individuals managing diabetes. The term 'subcutaneous' refers to the method of delivering medication under the skin. This approach targets the fat layer between the skin and the muscle, allowing for slower, steady absorption of the medication. To perform a subcutaneous injection, it's important to:

• Choose an appropriate injection site, such as the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
• Use a properly sized needle, often short and thin for comfort.
• Pinch the skin to create a pocket for the medication.
• Insert the needle at a 45 to 90-degree angle, depending on the thickness of the skin layer.

By practicing a steady and accurate technique, patients can effectively manage their insulin dosages and maintain blood glucose levels.

Insulin Units

Understanding insulin units is crucial for calculating the correct dosage of insulin. Insulin is typically measured in units, and this measurement reflects the hormone's potency. A standard concentration of insulin is indicated as U-100, meaning there are 100 insulin units in every milliliter of the solution. When dealing with insulin prescriptions, such as 40 units of Novolin R or 10 units of Novolin N, it's essential to understand the following:

• The specific number of units required, as prescribed by the doctor.
• The concentration of insulin (U-100), which tells you how many units are in one milliliter.

By understanding these units, you can draw the exact amount needed, avoiding underdosing or overdosing, which can lead to serious health complications.

Syringe Volume

To accurately draw insulin, understanding the syringe volume is essential. Syringes used for insulin are typically marked in units, making it easier to measure out precise doses. The volume you draw corresponds directly to the number of units needed. For instance:

• 40 units of insulin translates to 0.4 mL on a U-100 syringe.
• 10 units translates to 0.1 mL.

When preparing a syringe, it's important to pay attention to the markings:

• Always use a syringe that matches the insulin concentration (e.g., U-100 syringe for U-100 insulin).
• Ensure no air bubbles are present in the syringe after drawing the medication.

Accurate measurement is imperative, as even small errors in insulin dosing can significantly impact blood sugar levels.

Medication Administration

Administering insulin requires precision and understanding of the process to ensure safety and efficacy. When two different types of insulin, like Novolin R and Novolin N, are prescribed together, following a specific procedure is necessary:

• Verify the doctor's prescription to confirm the correct amounts of each insulin type.
• Label the syringes if using multiple types to prevent mixing and potential confusion.
• Draw the insulins separately, ensuring that the correct volume is drawn for each type.
• Avoid mixing the insulins prematurely; some types may not be compatible if mixed.

Proper medication administration helps maintain stable blood glucose levels and prevents mishaps that could lead to serious consequences like hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Remembering to double-check every step and maintaining a calm environment can greatly aid in successful insulin administration.