Question

A nurse is providing education on the use of subcutaneous octreotide to a client who will be administering the medication at home. What will the nurse include in the teaching?

"Store any remaining medication at room temperature."

"Inject the medication into the gluteal area."

"Administer the medication between meals."

"Use the medication immediately after removing it from the refrigerator."

Answer 1

Nurse education for subcutaneous octreotide administration includes using medication immediately after refrigeration, avoiding the gluteal region for injections, and possibly administering between meals. Understanding proper injection techniques ensures medication efficacy, akin to how insulin injections manage glucose levels in diabetes.

Step-by-step explanation:

When educating a client on administering subcutaneous octreotide, a nurse should include important instructions such as not to store the medication at room temperature, avoid injecting it into the gluteal area due to potential absorption issues, and use the medication immediately after removing it from the refrigerator to ensure efficacy. Administering the medication between meals may be necessary depending on the condition being treated and the specific instructions given by the healthcare provider. It's essential to follow the guidance for subcutaneous injections as incorrect injection practices can lead to suboptimal medication absorption or increased risk of complications.

Moreover, while octreotide is different from insulin, understanding how insulin injections work provides insight into the importance of proper medication administration. Insulin injections are critical for people with diabetes, as they help control glucose levels in the blood. While insulin allows the transport and storage of glucose to decrease blood glucose levels after a high-glucose meal, administering octreotide requires specific considerations tailored to its pharmacological profiles and intended therapeutic effects.