The nurse has an order to administer Novolin N 19 units subcut q. AM. Which insulin syringe can be used to accurately measure the dose?

In order for the nurse to measure the 19-unit insulin dose accurately, she should use a 0.5 ml —50 unit— insulin syringe with a 1-in-1 scale.

Explanation:

Insulin administration in a patient should be an accurate practice, due to the effects that an inadequate dose can produce.

Insulin doses are usually indicated in par numbers, such as 2, 4, 6 units, for which the 1 ml syringe can be used, for 100 units, with a scale of 2 in 2 units.

An impar dose, such as 19 units, requires the use of a 0.5 ml syringe, with a scale of 1 in 1, making dose administration more precise.

Some 1 ml insulin syringes already come with a scale of 1 in 1 units, so they can also be used.