Nurse's Pocket Guide

ACTIONS/INTERVENTIONS RATIONALE
and avoiding going barefoot.
If foot injury/skin break
occurs, wash with soap/
dermal cleanser and water,
cover with sterile dressing,
inspect wound and change
dressing daily; report
redness, swelling, or
presence of drainage.
Instruct regarding prescribed May be a temporary
insulin therapy: treatment of hyperglycemia
with infection or may be
permanent replacement of
oral hypoglycemic agent.
Humulin N Insulin, SC. Intermediate-acting insulin
generally lasts 18–28 hr,
with peak effect 6–12 hr.
Keep vial in current use at Cold insulin is poorly
room temperature (if used absorbed.
within 30 days).
Store extra vials in refrigerator. Refrigeration prevents wide
fluctuations in temperature,
prolonging the drug
shelf life.
Roll bottle and invert to mix, Vigorous shaking may create
or shake gently, avoiding foam, which can interfere
bubbles. with accurate dose withdrawal
and may damage
the insulin molecule.
Note: New research suggests
that shaking the vial
may be more effective in
mixing suspension.
Choice of injection sites Provides for steady
(e.g., across lower abdomen absorption of medication.
in Z pattern). Site is easily visualized and
accessible by client, and Z
pattern minimizes tissue
damage.
Demonstrate, then observe May require several
client drawing insulin into instruction sessions and
syringe, reading syringe practice before client/wife
markings, and administering feel comfortable drawing
dose. Assess for accuracy. up and injecting medication.
PUTTING THEORY INTO PRACTICE 61
Plan of Care