A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is to start therapy with insulin lispro and insulin glargine.
Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale:

Injecting the medication at least 5 cm (2 in) from the umbilicus is not a standard guideline for IM injections. The site of injection depends on factors such as the volume of medication and patient’s age and muscle mass.

Choice B rationale:

Using the Z-track technique to administer the medication is correct. This technique helps to seal the medication in muscle tissue, reducing leakage into subcutaneous tissue.

Choice C rationale:

Giving the medication without aspirating prior to injection is not recommended. Aspiration ensures that the needle is not in a blood vessel before injecting.

Choice D rationale:

Administering the medication with a 27-gauge '/,-inch needle may not be appropriate for an IM injection, especially for adults. A longer and larger gauge needle is typically used for IM injections.

Choice A rationale:

Pinching the tube while connecting the syringe to it could potentially damage the tube and does not aid in medication administration.

Choice B rationale:

Elevating the head of the client’s bed to only 10° may increase the risk of aspiration. The head of the bed should be elevated to at least 30° during medication administration and for at least an hour afterward.

Choice C rationale:

Flushing the tube with normal saline following medication administration helps ensure that all medication has been administered and helps maintain tube patency.

Choice D rationale:

Combining crushed medications together in a single syringe can lead to drug interactions and can also increase the risk of tube clogging. Each medication should be administered separately.