What should be inspected before administering cloudy insulin?

Inspecting cloudy insulin for clumps or floating particles is crucial because the presence of irregularities can indicate problems with the insulin's composition and effectiveness. Insulin that has been improperly stored or is past its shelf life may separate or develop visible impurities. These clumps or particles can signal that the insulin is no longer safe to use or may not work as intended, which is pivotal for maintaining proper blood glucose control in patients. Ensuring the solution is uniform and clear is an essential safety measure before administration.

While the seal on the bottle is important for ensuring that it has not been tampered with and the expiration date is essential for confirming the product is still valid, these factors do not specifically address the integrity of the insulin solution itself. Similarly, checking the color of the insulin is relevant, but cloudiness inherently implies potential issues that must be assessed first. Therefore, the focus on examining for clumps or floating particles is a critical step in ensuring patient safety and the efficacy of the treatment.