Mixing Insulin in One Syringe

Medical Equipments:

• Medication administration record
• Insulin vials
• Alcohol swab
• Insulin syringe

Nursing Procedures:

1. Assess patient's allergies or medical condition that would contraindicate in administrating the drug
2. Gather necessary equipment
3. Check the medication administration record against medication order
4. Wash your hands
5. Follow the five rights of medication administration and check the patient's identification band
6. Remove insulin vial cap
7. Rotate each bottle of insulin slowly but never shake them. Make sure suspensions are thoroughly mixed
8. Clean the rubber stopper of the vial with an alcohol swab
9. Remove cap from the needle. Draw air into the syringes equal to the doses of insulin to be given. Insert needle into vial of the suspension, not to touch the needle to the medication in the vial. Inject the air into the vial and remove the needle. Do not withdrawal any insulin yet
10. Fill syringes with air equal to dose of regular insulin. Insert needle into bottle and inject air into vial. Invert bottle and pull plunger down to withdraw the appropriate dose of insuline
11. With needle in the bottle, hold it up to the light and look for air bubbles. Remove air bubble if any by taping or flicking the syringe with your finger to cause air to rise and then push plunger to push air and some insulin back into the vial. Pull back to get the appropriate dose of insulin free of air.
12. Remove the needle
13. Again insert needle into the vial of longer-acting insulin and make sure that the tip of the needle is below the surface of the fluid level. Invert the bottle and slowly draw back to dose of insulin prescribed.
14. Remove the needle
15. Have another nurse check the prescribed dose
16. Store insulin vials according to your agency policy
17. Wash your hand