The nurse has just injected insulin subcutaneously into the client's abdomen. What action should the nurse take at this point?

Question

1. Massage the site to encourage absorption.
2. Leave the needle embedded in the client's skin for 5 seconds after administration.
3. Remove the needle rapidly by pulling it quickly from the skin.
4. Cover the injection site with a pressure dressing for at least 15 minutes or until the bleb disappears.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Massage is contraindicated for most medications because it alters the delivery rate from the tissues.
Rationale 2: The American Diabetes Association recommends leaving the needle embedded in the client's skin for 5 seconds after injection of medication, particularly insulin. This allows for complete delivery of the dose.
Rationale 3: The needle should be removed slowly and smoothly to minimize pain for the client.
Rationale 4: Bleeding rarely occurs after subcutaneous injection, but short application of manual pressure (1-3 minutes) should cause bleeding to stop. There is no need for a pressure dressing for 15 minutes. Subcutaneous injections do not result in bleb formation.