How To Use Insulin Pen | Priming Of Insulin Pen - Medanta Hospital

Summary

This video tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on how to properly use an insulin pen. It covers the key parts of the pen, how to attach the needle, and the process of priming the pen before use. The video demonstrates how to inject insulin, with specific tips for choosing the injection site, holding the pen correctly, and ensuring the full dose is administered. Additionally, it includes important storage guidelines for insulin pens, safety practices for disposing of needles, and tips to prevent complications such as air bubbles. The tutorial emphasizes proper technique for effective and safe insulin delivery.

Takeaways

• 😀 Insulin pens consist of three main parts: the dose dialer, insulin cartridge, and needle attachment.
• 😀 To attach the needle, remove the paper cover and rotate it clockwise until the needle is firmly attached.
• 😀 Priming the insulin pen is necessary before use—set the dose to 2 units and check for insulin droplets at the needle tip.
• 😀 To administer an injection, roll the pen between your palms 10 times, dial the desired dose, and select the injection site.
• 😀 When injecting, ensure the needle is about 2.5 cm away from the navel if using the abdomen as the site.
• 😀 Hold the pen in a thumbs-up position, inject perpendicularly, and press the dose dialer until the full dose is delivered.
• 😀 After injection, hold the pen in place for 10 seconds, then remove the needle from the skin.
• 😀 Store insulin pens in the fridge, ensuring they are not frozen. Keep them in the side or middle compartment.
• 😀 Change the injection site frequently to avoid irritation, and avoid using alcohol swabs or massaging the site.
• 😀 Dispose of used needles safely in a sharps container and replace the needle after each use.
• 😀 Important: Never freeze insulin and always remove air bubbles from the pen before use.

Q & A

What are the main parts of an insulin pen?

An insulin pen has three main parts: the dose dialer, the insulin cartridge, and the top of the pen where the needle is attached.

How do you attach the needle to the insulin pen?

To attach the needle, remove the paper cover, then fix the needle straight on top of the pen and rotate it clockwise until it is firmly attached. Afterward, remove the outer cover of the needle.

Why is priming the pen important?

Priming the pen is important to ensure that insulin is properly flowing through the needle before administering the injection.

How do you prime the insulin pen?

To prime the pen, set the dose to 2 units by rotating the dose dialer in a clockwise direction. Hold the pen vertically with the needle facing upwards, remove the green cap, tap the pen, and press the dose dialer until you see drops of insulin at the needle tip.

What is the proper way to inject insulin?

To inject insulin, roll the pen 10 times between your palms to mix the insulin, dial the desired dose, and select the injection site, such as the abdomen. Hold the pen in a thumbs-up position and inject the insulin perpendicular to your body. Press the dose dialer until the entire dose is delivered, and hold the pen in place for 10 seconds before pulling it out.

What should you do after administering the injection?

After administering the injection, hold the pen for 10 seconds to ensure the full dose is delivered, then pull the pen out.

How should insulin pens be stored?

Insulin pens should be stored in the side or middle compartment of the fridge. It's important never to freeze insulin.

What should you remember about changing injection sites?

You should keep changing the sites on your body where insulin injections are administered, avoiding areas marked in red, and rotate sites regularly.

How often should the needle be changed?

The needle should be changed every day to ensure hygiene and effectiveness of the injection.

What are some safety tips for using the insulin pen?

Some safety tips include disposing of used needles in a sharps container, removing air bubbles from the pen before injecting, avoiding massaging the injection site, and not using alcohol swabs.