As a medical assistant administering regular insulin injections to a patient with diabetes, you should proceed with the task as follows:
1. **Preparation**:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Gather the necessary supplies: insulin vial, syringe, alcohol swabs, and a sharps container.
- Check the doctor's prescription for the correct type and dosage of insulin.
2. **Checking Insulin**:
- Check the insulin vial for any abnormalities like clumps, discoloration, or expiration date.
- Roll the vial gently between your hands to mix the insulin (do not shake).
3. **Preparing the Injection**:
- Clean the rubber stopper of the insulin vial with an alcohol swab.
- Draw air into the syringe equal to the amount of insulin prescribed.
- Inject the air into the vial to equalize pressure.
- Invert the vial and draw the correct dose of insulin into the syringe, checking for air bubbles and adjusting if needed.
4. **Administering the Injection**:
- Select an appropriate injection site (e.g., abdomen, thigh, or upper arm).
- Clean the skin at the injection site with an alcohol swab.
- Pinch the skin and insert the needle at a 90-degree angle.
- Inject the insulin slowly and steadily.
- Wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
5. **Disposal**:
- Recap the needle and discard it into the sharps container.
- Dispose of any used supplies safely and securely.
6. **Monitoring**:
- Keep track of the injection sites to avoid overusing one area.
- Note any unusual reactions or side effects and report them to the doctor.
Always follow the doctor's instructions carefully and seek further training if needed to ensure safe and effective administration of insulin injections.
