Insulin Therapy Section 4.4 – Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course

Insulin therapy requires precise administration and strategic dosing to manage blood glucose effectively. Proper technique involves rotating abdominal injection sites, priming pens with two units, and injecting at a 90-degree angle to ensure accurate delivery. Clinicians should prioritize long-acting insulin for basal control and rapid-acting insulin for postprandial spikes, while avoiding long-term reliance on reactive sliding scales. Dosing adjustments rely on evidence-based guidelines, such as the 10% titration rule for long-acting insulin, the 500 rule for carbohydrate ratios, and the 1800 rule for correction factors. During illness, monitoring blood glucose and ketones is critical to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis or hypoglycemia. Furthermore, scheduling medical procedures early in the day minimizes fasting periods, reducing the risk of glycemic instability. Consistent documentation of pen opening dates remains essential for safety and expiration tracking.