Question

Calculate the dosage of insulin where necessary, and shade the dosage on the syringe provided. Labels have been provided for some problems. Order: Humulin \(70 / 30 \mathrm{U}-10027\) units subcut at \(5 \mathrm{PM}\).

Short answer

Draw 27 units on the syringe marked for U-100 insulin and shade the area on the syringe diagram.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Order

The order specifies using Humulin 70/30, which is a mixture of insulin containing 70% NPH (intermediate-acting) and 30% regular (short-acting) insulin. The dosage ordered is 27 units to be administered subcutaneously at 5 PM.

Prepare the Syringe

Use an insulin syringe marked for U-100 insulin dosing, as the order specifies U-100 insulin. This type of syringe measures insulin in units and is appropriate for the 27 units needed.

Drawing the Insulin

Sterilize the vial top with an alcohol swab. Draw 27 units of air into the syringe and inject into the insulin vial to equalize pressure. Then, draw 27 units of insulin into the syringe, ensuring there are no air bubbles.

Verify the Dose

Double-check the syringe to ensure it contains exactly 27 units of insulin. The syringe's markings should be used to verify the dosage.

Shade the Dosage

Shade the area corresponding to the 27 units on the syringe diagram, making it clear where the plunger should rest when the proper dosage is drawn.

Key concepts

Humulin 70/30 insulin

Humulin 70/30 insulin is a widely used medication for managing diabetes. This insulin formulation combines two different types of insulin:
NPH insulin, which is intermediate-acting, makes up 70% of this mix. It helps control your blood glucose levels throughout the day. The remaining 30% is regular insulin, which is short-acting. It works quickly to lower blood sugar levels especially after meals.
This combination allows patients to have better control over their diabetes, without needing to mix different insulins themselves. It can lead to fewer injections per day and more consistent blood sugar levels. Understanding this insulin type is crucial, as mixing proportions impact the onset and the duration of insulin action.

Subcutaneous injection

A subcutaneous injection involves injecting medication into the layer of fat between your skin and muscles. This method is often used for insulin injections because it allows the medication to be absorbed slowly over time.
To perform a subcutaneous injection, here’s what you need to do:

• Choose a clean site, usually on the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
• Grasp the area to slightly lift the skin.
• Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle to ensure proper delivery of insulin.
• Inject the medication slowly and steadily.

This process minimizes discomfort and ensures that the insulin works effectively as intended.

Insulin syringe

An insulin syringe is a special type of syringe designed for the precise measurement of insulin doses. They are usually marked in units rather than milliliters, which helps in accurate dosing.
Some features of insulin syringes include:

• Thin needle to reduce discomfort.
• Clear barrel marked with measurement lines for accuracy.
• Comes in different sizes to match the prescribed dosage.

It's important to select the right syringe for your insulin type. For Humulin 70/30 doses, an insulin syringe calibrated for U-100 insulin is typically used to ensure precision in delivering the required dose of 27 units.

U-100 insulin

U-100 insulin is a standard concentration of insulin, meaning there are 100 units of insulin per milliliter of fluid. This concentration is the most commonly used because it simplifies dosing calculations.
The use of U-100 insulin and corresponding syringes is important for verifying that you draw and administer the correct amount of insulin. Medical professionals often instruct patients to use U-100 syringes with this insulin to prevent dosage errors that could arise from using the wrong equipment.

Dosage verification

Dosage verification is an essential step in insulin administration. It involves double-checking that the insulin dose is correct to prevent any errors.
Here’s how you can verify the dosage effectively:

• Look at the syringe markings: Ensure it matches the prescribed 27 units.
• Re-check the insulin vial to confirm it is Humulin 70/30 U-100 insulin.
• Confirm the time of injection complies with the prescribed schedule (e.g., 5 PM).

Verification is crucial to prevent administering too much or too little insulin, which could lead to serious health complications.