A client with type 1 diabetes newly diagnosed is learning to self-administer injections with an insulin pen. Which of the following actions is NOT recommended during injection technique?

A client with type 1 diabetes newly diagnosed is learning to self-administer injections with an insulin pen. Which of the following actions is NOT recommended during injection technique?

• A. Prime the needle with two units
• B. Use a 29-gauge insulin needle
• C. Recap the needle
• D. Dial the pen to deliver the unit dose

Answer: (C)

The practice of giving insulin with a pen centers on delivering the exact dose safely into the subcutaneous tissue. Each step is about accuracy of dose and minimizing risk or discomfort. Recapping the needle after injection is not recommended because it raises the risk of needle-stick injuries and potential contamination. Once a needle is used, it should be disposed of in a sharps container without reseating or recapping, to protect you and others and to keep the device safe for disposal. Priming with a small amount, like two units, helps verify insulin flow so you’re sure the pen is delivering correctly and there are no air bubbles in the line. Using a thin gauge needle, such as a 29-gauge needle, reduces pain and tissue trauma, which makes injections more tolerable, especially for someone new to self-injection. Dialing to the prescribed dose ensures you deliver the intended amount of insulin, which is essential for maintaining glycemic control. So, the action that is not recommended is recapping the needle after the injection.

The practice of giving insulin with a pen centers on delivering the exact dose safely into the subcutaneous tissue. Each step is about accuracy of dose and minimizing risk or discomfort.

Recapping the needle after injection is not recommended because it raises the risk of needle-stick injuries and potential contamination. Once a needle is used, it should be disposed of in a sharps container without reseating or recapping, to protect you and others and to keep the device safe for disposal.

Priming with a small amount, like two units, helps verify insulin flow so you’re sure the pen is delivering correctly and there are no air bubbles in the line. Using a thin gauge needle, such as a 29-gauge needle, reduces pain and tissue trauma, which makes injections more tolerable, especially for someone new to self-injection. Dialing to the prescribed dose ensures you deliver the intended amount of insulin, which is essential for maintaining glycemic control.

So, the action that is not recommended is recapping the needle after the injection.