1. Insulin Syringes Marked in units Calibrated in 1- or 2-unit increments
Measures units of insulin not volume of solution
100 unit capacity
50 unit capacity
30 unit capacity
Calibrated in 1- or 2-unit increments
Learning Outcome: 18.1b read calibrations on insulin syringes.
50-unit and 30-unit syringes are calibrated in 1-unit increments and have larger numbers that are easier to read.

2. Insulin Syringes (cont.)
Rule 18-1
For more accurate measurements use:
a 50-unit capacity insulin syringe for insulin doses less than 50 units
a 30-unit capacity insulin syringe for doses less than 30 units
Learning Outcome: 18.1b read calibrations on insulin syringes.

3. Insulin Syringes (cont.)
Ordered: Humulin N 66 units Use a 100-unit capacity syringe. Ordered: Humulin R 8 units Use a 30-unit capacity syringe.
Example
Learning Outcome: 18.1b read calibrations on insulin syringes.

4. Insulin Syringes (cont.)
U-500 insulin
For insulin-resistant patients
For patients who need high doses to maintain normal blood sugar
Learning Outcome: 18.1b read calibrations on insulin syringes.
It is rarely used, and the label includes a warning. (See Figure 18-7)
U-100 insulin is the insulin that is commonly used.
Always check how many units are in 1 mL, since accidentally substituting U-500 insulin for U-100 insulin could kill the patient.
Remember to read the label 3 times.

5. Insulin Syringes (cont.)
Rule 18-2
If the order is for U-500 insulin, use a tuberculin syringe.
Calculate the amount to administer in milliliters.
Learning Outcome: 18.1b read calibrations on insulin syringes.
Use of a tuberculin syringe may also be necessary for doses of U-100 insulin over 100 units.

6. Insulin Syringes (cont.)
Determine amount of insulin to give. Ordered: Humulin R U-500 insulin, 120 units Amount to administer = 0.24 mL Use a tuberculin syringe.
Example
Learning Outcome: 18.1b read calibrations on insulin syringes.

7. Patient Education: MEASURING A SINGLE INSULIN DOSE
Always wash hands before handling insulin and syringes.
If you are using a basal or mixed insulin, roll the vial between your palms to mix the insulin until all of the insulin looks cloudy.
Learning Outcome: 18.1a Identify information on insulin labels.
Learning Outcome: 18.1b read calibrations on insulin syringes.
2 – Lantus insulin is not a suspension, so it will remain clear and does not need to be rolled.

8. Patient Education: MEASURING A SINGLE INSULIN DOSE (cont.)
Cleanse the rubber stopper of the vial with an alcohol wipe, using a circular motion.
Start at the center of the circle and work outward.
Learning Outcome: 18.1a Identify information on insulin labels.
Learning Outcome: 18.1b read calibrations on insulin syringes.

9. Patient Education: MEASURING A SINGLE INSULIN DOSE (cont.)
Draw up an amount of air equal to your insulin dose in the syringe.
Pull back the plunger until the leading ring is aligned with the correct marking on the syringe.
Learning Outcome: 18.1a Identify information on insulin labels.
Learning Outcome: 18.1b read calibrations on insulin syringes.

10. Patient Education: MEASURING A SINGLE INSULIN DOSE (cont.)
Inject the air into the insulin vial.
Keep the needle inserted through the stopper and turn the vial upside down.
Draw up your ordered dose of insulin.
Learning Outcome: 18.1a Identify information on insulin labels.
Learning Outcome: 18.1b read calibrations on insulin syringes.
5 – Injecting air will make it easier to withdraw the basal insulin without introducing mealtime insulin into the vial.

11. Patient Education: MEASURING A SINGLE INSULIN DOSE (cont.)
Avoid touching the needle during the procedure.
Learning Outcome: 18.1a Identify information on insulin labels.
Learning Outcome: 18.1b read calibrations on insulin syringes. 11

12. Practice
True/False Onset is the time when insulin begins to lower the glucose level. Duration is measured from the time the insulin dose was administered. When mixing insulins, draw up the cloudy before the clear. Insulin is administered using special syringes marked in units. T F
From the time of onset F
Learning Outcome: 18.1a Identify information on insulin labels.
Learning Outcome: 18.1b Read calibrations on insulin syringes.
Learning Outcome: 18.1c. Explain the procedure for combining insulin.
Clear then cloudy T