Insulin AdministrationUsing an Insulin Pen

Created by Rachel GallagherFormer School Nursing Consultant

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This unit covers basic procedures for administering insulin by insulin pen. There are different kinds of insulin pens and variations in directions for different students. Demonstration, skills observation, consultation, and ongoing supervision by the school nurse will be important for correct medication administration.

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Competency checklists are available at: http://dpi.wi.gov/sspw_schlnurse.html

For more information regarding delegation and consultation, please see the DPI question and answer documents available at: http://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/pdf/snpracticeact.pdf

Products used were for demonstration purposes and are not an endorsement of the products.

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What Topics will be Discussed?• What is diabetes?• What is the prevalence of diabetes?• What is the difference between type 1 and 2

diabetes? • What is insulin?• What are some important facts regarding insulin?• What are the parts of the insulin pen?• What are the supplies needed?• What is the procedure for giving insulin by an

insulin pen?

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What is Diabetes?• Chronic Disease

• Two common types – Type 1 and Type 2

• Type 1 Diabetes – Pancreas produces no insulin or a very small amount.

• Type 2 Diabetes – Pancreas does not produce enough insulin and/or the insulin does not work as it should.

• Both types require balancing food, exercise and insulin to keep blood sugar as close to the normal range (80-120 mg/dl) as possible.

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What is the prevalence of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

• 151,00 students with type 1 diabetes under the age of 20 (CDC, 2011)

• 1.7 per every 1,000 students 1-19 years has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/projects/cda2.htm

• 7.2 per every 100,000 students has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (CDC, 2011)http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/projects/cda2.htm

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The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

• Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease where the pancreas produces no or little insulin needed to control blood sugar levels in the blood.

• Treated with insulin, monitoring blood glucose levels, exercise and eating healthy food.

• Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease where the pancreas produces not enough insulin and/or the body is not able to use the insulin properly.

• Treated with eating healthy food, exercise, oral medication and/or insulin.

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What is insulin?

• A hormone produced by the pancreas• Used to treat Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes• Insulin regulates blood sugar levels in the

blood• Insulin must be given by a syringe, insulin

pen or insulin pump• Insulin is measured in units• There are different types of insulin

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Important facts regarding insulin pen cartridges

• Check expiration date. • If using a new cartridge, label cartridge with

date. • Insulin cartridges not in use should be

refrigerated. • Do not shake insulin cartridges.• Store at room temperature and prevent

exposure to sunlight. • Expiration date for each specific type of insulin

pen cartridges varies; always check with nurse regarding expiration dates.04/11/23 9

What are the parts of an insulin pen?

Insulin pen

Insulin cartridge – stores the insulin

Pen needle Protective cover

NeedleCap

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What are the five Rs?

• Right student• Right medication

• Right dose 5Rs + 2• Right time• Right route

• Right documentation• Right reason04/11/23 11

What is needed prior to giving insulin with an insulin pen?

• Medical provider and parent authorization• Insulin pen • Gloves• Alcohol swab(s)• Unopened pen needle• Insulin cartridge (may be inside the insulin

pen). • Authorized sharps disposal container• Glucose monitor 04/11/23 12

What is the procedure for giving insulin using an insulin pen?

1. Gather supplies.2. Check the five rights.3. Determine type of pen that is used

• Prefilled disposable pen : A prefilled insulin cartridge is already in pen.

• Reusable pen: Most of the time the insulin cartridge will be in the pen. If not, load insulin pen cartridge into pen.

4. Wash hands and apply gloves.5. Recheck the five rights.

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Procedure continued…

6. Check expiration date for insulin pen cartridge or disposable insulin pen.

7. Attach pen needle by twisting the needle on end of insulin pen. (Wipe top of insulin pen with alcohol wipe if instructed to do so by nurse.)

8. Pull off and remove outer pen needle protective cap and cover (Do Not Touch Needle).

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Procedure continued…

9. Prime pen by dialing 2 units. 10. Push the end of pen (plunger) to push out

the 2 units. A small drop of insulin should be visible. (This checks insulin flow and is called an “air shot”). If insulin does not appear, repeat steps 9 and 10.

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11. Once the pen has been primed, dial the desired insulin dosage to be administered to student .

Procedure continued…

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Procedure continued…12. Choose a subcutaneous (tissue between the skin

and muscle mass) injection site with the assistance of the student as appropriate. Insulin is absorbed more effectively by the body when the administration sites are rotated. abdomen upper arm upper buttock outer thigh

Subcutaneous Injection Sites 04/11/23 17

Procedure continued...13. Cleanse injection site with alcohol swab (optional)

and allow skin to dry. Never fan or blow on area cleansed with swab.

14. Gently pinch skin of chosen injection site and insert pen needle at a 45-90 degree angle into skin.

15. Push button (plunger) down at end of pen completely to give insulin.

16. Wait 10 seconds while keeping insulin pen and pen needle in place, to ensure all insulin is given. (This is due to the fact that all insulin pens drip.)

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Procedure continued... 17. Pull the insulin pen and needle out from

the injection site to remove needle.18. Do not replace the protective needle cap;

carefully unscrew pen needle to remove from pen.

19. Dispose of needle in an approved sharps disposal container.

20. Remove gloves and wash hands. 21. Document insulin administration.04/11/23 19

Demonstration

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Questions or comments regarding this webcast? Suggestions on future school nursing topics?

Please Contact:

WI Dept. of Public InstructionSchool Nursing Consultant608-322-4816

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