What instructions should the nurse give to the family member who is to administer a subcutaneous insulin injection for a patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Generally,a 25-gauge,5/8-inch needle inserted at a 45-degree angle,or a ½-inch needle inserted at a 90-degree angle,deposits medications into the subcutaneous tissue of a normal-size patient.A child usually requires a 26- to 30-gauge,½-inch needle inserted at a 90-degree angle.
Massage can damage underlying tissue.The angle of insertion is 90 degrees for an obese patient.If you can grasp 2 inches (5 cm)of tissue,insert the needle at a 90-degree angle; if you can grasp 1 inch (2.5 cm)of tissue,insert the needle at a 45-degree angle.Injection site rotation is no longer necessary because newer human insulins carry a lower risk for hypertrophy.Patients choose one anatomical area (e.g.,the abdomen)and systematically rotate sites within that region,which maintains consistent insulin absorption from day to day.

What Instructions Should the Nurse Give to the Family Member