Sub‑Q Savvy
Purpose of pinching the skin during a Sub‑Q injection.
Ensures injection into subcutaneous tissue.
Why insulin doses may change with meal size.
Carbohydrate intake varies.
First step before withdrawing insulin from a vial.
Clean the vial top
A patient feels shaky. What should you offer?
Fast‑acting carbohydrate
Why rapid‑acting insulin must be taken with food.
Works quickly and can drop glucose
Ensures injection into subcutaneous tissue.
2 inches
Difference between basal and bolus insulin.
Basal = background; bolus = meals.
Purpose of injecting air into a vial
Equalizes pressure
Before giving insulin, the patient says they feel dizzy. What must you do?
Check blood glucose.
Why blood glucose is checked before meals.
Guides insulin dosing
Best injection angle for a thin adult.
45 degrees
Why long‑acting insulin cannot be mixed.
Mixing alters its action
Which insulin is drawn up first when mixing
Clear Insulin:
Rapid Acting (Regular) or
Short Acting (Lispro)
What to do if the patient feels shaky during insulin peak time.
Provide a snack
Why skipping meals is unsafe when taking insulin.
Insulin continues lowering glucose
Why avoid injecting into bruised or scarred tissue
Poor absorption and tissue irritation
Why opened insulin pens are kept at room temperature
Prevents discomfort and dosing issues.
Correct action if insulin is mixed in the wrong order.
Discard and start over.
Why rapid‑acting insulin is needed with meals even when on long‑acting insulin
Covers meal‑related glucose spikes
Why understanding insulin peaks matters
Prevents low blood sugar during peak action
Name one common Sub‑Q injection site besides the abdomen
Upper arm, thigh, or upper back
Why two nurses verify insulin doses.
Prevent high‑alert medication errors.
Errors can cause severe harm
How long should you wait before removing the needle?
10 seconds
BG 375 with fruity breath. First two actions.
Check ketones; encourage hydration
Why proper insulin storage is important.
Temperature affects potency.