Measuring insulin injections involves a precise process of drawing the correct amount of insulin into a syringe, with a specific focus on the plunger for accuracy. The process is detailed as follows:
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Insulin
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Prepare the Syringe:
- Begin by taking the needle out of the insulin bottle. This readies the syringe for drawing the required amount of air and insulin.
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Draw Air into the Syringe:
- Pull the plunger back to draw in an amount of air equal to the dose of insulin you intend to inject. For example, if you are going to inject 20 units of insulin you will pull the plunger back to the 20 unit marking on the syringe.
- According to the reference, you should draw in air equal to the amount of clear, short-acting insulin needed. This is a crucial step before actually withdrawing the insulin.
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Measure from the Plunger Top:
- When measuring, it is vital to always measure from the top of the plunger. This ensures accurate measurement of the correct dosage.
Key Points for Accuracy
- Plunger Measurement: The reference emphasizes that measurement should always be from the top of the plunger. This is to account for the plunger itself and achieve an accurate dosage.
- Air Injection: By injecting air equal to the dose before withdrawing the insulin, you ensure that there will not be a vaccuum and it will be easier to draw the insulin out of the vial.
- Consistency It is important to perform the same steps every time you give an insulin injection, especially if mixing insulins.
