What should a QMA do with cloudy insulin?

Cloudy insulin requires specific handling to ensure its effectiveness and safety. The correct action is to gently roll or invert the bottle. This process helps to evenly distribute the suspension contained in the cloudy insulin. By doing so, it ensures that the patient receives the correct dosage of insulin, as the cloudiness typically indicates that the insulin is a suspension, which must be mixed properly before administration.

Gently rolling the bottle is preferred over vigorous shaking, as shaking can cause the insulin to become frothy or create air bubbles, which can lead to inaccurate dosing. In addition, discarding the insulin is unnecessary if it’s within the expiration date, as long as the cloudiness is normal for that type of insulin, and it has been properly stored. Therefore, handling cloudy insulin with gentle rolling or inverting the bottle is vital for maintaining its integrity and ensuring proper dosing for the patient.