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Mr. Clark, a 60-year-old man, visits the medical office for a follow-up on his diabetes management. His doctor prescribes an insulin injection to be administered subcutaneously. The medical assistant is responsible for giving Mr. Clark his first dose in the office. After the injection, Mr. Clark notices slight redness and swelling at the injection site and asks if this is normal.

What steps should the medical assistant follow to administer the insulin injection correctly?

What should the medical assistant tell Mr. Clark about the normal side effects, like redness or swelling, and when to seek further help?

How can the medical assistant ensure proper technique to avoid complications like infection or bruising?

What advice should be given to Mr. Clark about administering insulin injections safely at home?
In8 th grade writing

1 answer

Steps for Administering the Insulin Injection:

  1. Gather Supplies: The medical assistant should gather all necessary supplies, including the insulin vial or pen, a syringe if needed, alcohol swabs, cotton balls or gauze, and a sharps disposal container.

  2. Wash Hands: It’s important for the medical assistant to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.

  3. Prepare the Insulin: If using a vial, the assistant should roll the insulin bottle gently between their hands, then clean the top with an alcohol swab. If using a pen, they should check the pen to make sure it's working and has the correct dose.

  4. Choose Injection Site: The assistant should choose an appropriate site for the injection, such as the abdomen or the upper arm. They should avoid sites with scars, bruises, or moles.

  5. Clean the Site: The assistant should clean the chosen injection site with an alcohol swab and let it dry completely.

  6. Inject the Insulin: They should pinch the skin to lift it away from the muscle, insert the needle at a 90-degree angle (or 45 degrees if the patient is thin), and then inject the insulin slowly.

  7. Withdraw the Needle: After injecting, the assistant should remove the needle quickly and apply gentle pressure on the site with a cotton ball or gauze.

  8. Dispose of the Needle: Finally, the assistant should dispose of the needle and syringe in a sharps container to prevent needle-stick injuries.

Explaining Normal Side Effects to Mr. Clark:

The medical assistant should tell Mr. Clark that it is normal to experience slight redness and swelling at the injection site after receiving insulin. These reactions are often temporary and can happen as the body adjusts. However, he should seek further help from his doctor if he experiences severe swelling, pain, or if the redness doesn’t go away in a few days.

Ensuring Proper Technique to Avoid Complications:

To avoid complications like infection or bruising, the medical assistant should:

  1. Ensure all equipment is sterile and the area is clean.
  2. Use the correct needle size for the injection type to minimize pain.
  3. Avoid injecting into the same spot repeatedly to give the tissue time to heal.
  4. Always dispose of needles safely and appropriately.

Advice for Mr. Clark on Administering Insulin at Home:

Mr. Clark should keep the following tips in mind for administering insulin safely at home:

  1. Follow Instructions: He should always follow his doctor’s instructions regarding dosage and timing of insulin injections.

  2. Prepare Properly: Mr. Clark should wash his hands before each injection and ensure he has all supplies ready.

  3. Rotate Injection Sites: He should change injection sites regularly to prevent tissue damage and encourage better absorption.

  4. Watch for Side Effects: If he notices problems like swelling, redness that lasts, or signs of infection (like pus or increasing pain), he should contact his doctor.

  5. Store Insulin Correctly: Mr. Clark should keep his insulin in a cool place and not expose it to extreme temperatures.

  6. Practice Good Hygiene: Always clean the injection site with an alcohol swab before injecting.

By following these steps and advice, Mr. Clark can manage his insulin injections safely and effectively.