What must a nurse ensure when drawing up insulin from a vial?

When drawing up insulin from a vial, it is essential for the nurse to remove air bubbles from the syringe. Air bubbles can lead to inaccurate dosing because they can occupy space in the syringe, causing the total volume of insulin drawn to be less than intended. This can result in the patient receiving a smaller dose of insulin than prescribed, which could potentially lead to inadequate glycemic control. Proper technique for drawing up insulin involves gently tapping the syringe to bring any air bubbles to the top and then pushing them out before administering the medication.

Drawing insulin quickly is not ideal, as taking one's time allows for more accuracy and ensures that the insulin is being handled properly. Shaking the vial before use is contraindicated because insulin formulations, particularly long-acting types, can be destabilized by vigorous shaking, which may alter their effectiveness. Using a filter needle is unnecessary and not recommended in this context, as insulin is a clear solution and does not usually contain particulate matter that would require filtering.