What action should you take if you cannot verify a medication dosage, such as insulin?

What action should you take if you cannot verify a medication dosage, such as insulin?

• A. Do not administer until you can verify dosage with authorized personnel.
• B. Administer a dosage based on prior memory.
• C. Administer a dosage if the patient requests it.
• D. Administer a different medication instead.

Answer: (A)

Verifying the exact insulin dose before administration is essential because insulin is a high-risk medication with a narrow margin between an effective dose and dangerous over- or under-dosing. If you cannot verify the dosage, do not give it. Pause and obtain confirmation from authorized personnel—such as the prescribing clinician, a pharmacist, or a nurse supervisor—and follow your facility’s policy for verification, which may include a double-check with another licensed staff member and confirming the order, concentration (for example U-100 vs U-200), route, and timing.

While you wait for verification, ensure patient safety by confirming the patient’s identity, reviewing the current chart and order, and preparing to monitor the patient for any signs of hypo- or hyperglycemia once the medication is verified and administered. Document the inability to verify and the steps you took to obtain verification.

This approach protects the patient and aligns with standard safety practices for high-risk medications like insulin.