Gave short acting insulin instead of long acting

[hhlvn2121]

So today I gave my patient her normal dosage but wrong insulin. She is supposed to get Lantus but I gave her a clear short acting insulin by mistake. I watched her for any signs of hypoglycemia but she had none. She had a snack and I watched her for 4 hours, she seemed fine. I reported the error to my head nurse. I am just so nervous that I hurt her or could have bottemed her out

[Jules A, MSN]

It happens. Try to take it as a learning experience. Hugs, Jules

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

I did it too. Immediately called the doc and threw myself on his mercy. It was a large dose of R instead of the 70/30 the pt had ordered. I had to start IV fld. It's the worst nursing memory I have. I could have killed this pt as the dose was given in the am just before I left. If I had not recognized my mistake I would have left and the day nurse may not have recognized s/s of hypoglycemia. It was a skilled facility and the pt was very confused. I always have another nurse check my insulin now.

[chillchick]

Do you have a routine when giving meds?

I check the "5 Rs" - right medication, right patient, right route, right time, right dose... it is a good way to just double check and it becomes an instinctive part of giving meds.

[LoveANurse09]

good for you for admitting your mistake. It happens. You did all the right things, monitored for complications, gave her a snack, called the doc. Take it as a learning experience, but I'm sure you'll never make that mistake again!