Question

While teaching a client about insulin injection technique, the nurse explains that injecting into which area will cause the insulin to be most rapidly absorbed?

1 Thigh
2 Deltoid
3 Buttocks
4 Abdomen

Answer 1

Injecting insulin into the abdomen leads to the most rapid absorption. The abdomen has a faster absorption rate than the thigh, deltoid, or buttocks areas. Insulin helps to lower blood glucose levels by aiding glucose uptake into target cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

When teaching a client about insulin injection techniques, it is essential to mention that the rate of insulin absorption can vary based on the injection site. Insulin is most rapidly absorbed when injected into the abdomen. Target cells for insulin include muscle, liver, and adipose tissue, which utilize insulin to facilitate uptake of glucose, used for energy. The absorption rate is slightly slower in other areas like the arm (deltoid), thigh, and buttocks due to differences in blood flow and tissue type. It is also important to correct the misconception that insulin injections increase blood glucose levels before a meal; actually, insulin helps to lower blood glucose levels by promoting its uptake into target cells.