Question

A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who is to self-administer insulin at home. Which of the following client statements should indicate to the nurse that the teaching is effective?

1) I will inject the insulin into my muscle.
2) I will rotate the injection sites.
3) I will skip my insulin dose if I am feeling well.
4) I will reuse my insulin needles.

Answer 1

The correct understanding of how to self-administer insulin is indicated by the statement 'I will rotate the injection sites.' Insulin helps to decrease blood glucose levels by promoting transport and storage of glucose. Incorrect practices include injecting into the muscle, skipping doses, and reusing needles.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who needs to self-administer insulin injections, it is crucial for the patient to understand how to properly manage their diabetes treatment.

The teaching is effective if the client makes the statement: "I will rotate the injection sites." This practice helps to prevent tissue damage and ensures the absorption of insulin is consistent. Insulin is vital for controlling blood glucose levels, especially after consuming a high-glucose meal. It acts by facilitating the transport and storage of glucose, which decreases blood glucose levels to prevent hyperglycemia.

Injecting insulin into a muscle (as in statement 1) is incorrect practice for routine insulin administration, it is meant to be injected subcutaneously. Skipping doses when feeling well (as in statement 3) is not safe as insulin dosing is based on medical advice, and blood glucose monitoring.

Reusing needles (as in statement 4) increases the risk of infection and may damage the needle's integrity, affecting the dose delivery.