Failure to Follow Professional Standards in Insulin Administration
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a nurse failed to administer insulin according to professional standards and manufacturer instructions for a resident with diabetes. The nurse prepared the insulin pen by removing the cap, sanitizing the tip, attaching a new needle, and dialing the prescribed dose, but did not prime the pen before administration. The nurse then administered the insulin to the resident's left upper arm without holding the pen in place for the recommended duration, withdrawing the needle after approximately three seconds instead of the required ten seconds. Interviews confirmed that the nurse did not prime the insulin pen and did not adhere to the recommended injection time. The Assistant Director of Nursing stated that the facility's practice is to follow the manufacturer's instructions, which include priming the pen and holding the needle in place for ten seconds. The failure to follow these procedures was observed during the administration of insulin to a resident with multiple diagnoses, including diabetes, as ordered by the physician.