Failure to Rotate Insulin Injection Sites
Summary
Licensed nursing staff failed to rotate subcutaneous insulin administration sites for two residents who were receiving insulin for diabetes management. Resident 4 had diagnoses including type 2 DM with diabetic chronic kidney disease and mild protein-calorie malnutrition. The resident’s record showed orders for insulin glargine at bedtime with instructions to rotate the site, and Novolog before meals and at bedtime with permission to rotate the injection site. The location of administration record showed repeated injections in the same abdominal areas, including multiple doses in the left lower quadrant and right lower quadrant, as well as repeated use of the left arm. Resident 35 had diagnoses including type 2 DM with chronic kidney disease, retinopathy, and neuropathy. The resident’s orders included Humulin R before meals and at bedtime and insulin NPH 70/30 twice daily, both with instructions that the injection site may be rotated. The location of administration record showed repeated injections in the same abdominal areas, including multiple doses in the left upper quadrant and left lower quadrant, as well as repeated use of the right abdomen and right deltoid. During interview and record review, the MDS Coordinator stated there were multiple instances where licensed nurses did not rotate insulin administration sites for both residents. The MDS Coordinator stated rotating sites is intended to prevent discomfort and skin injury such as lipodystrophy, and that continued injection into lipodystrophy sites can affect absorption and cause hypo- or hyperglycemia. The DON stated licensed staff should have rotated the insulin sites for both residents unless it was the resident’s preference, and stated rotation is used to prevent skin injury such as lipodystrophy. The facility policy stated insulin injection sites must be rotated to prevent tissue damage, and the provided prescribing information for insulin products also stated to rotate injection sites to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy and localized cutaneous amyloidosis.
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