Which step is essential when mixing a short acting and long acting insulin in the same syringe?

Injecting air into the long-acting insulin first is crucial when mixing short-actin and long-acting insulin in the same syringe. This technique minimizes the risk of contaminating the long-acting insulin with the short-acting insulin, ensuring that the longer-acting solution remains undiluted and maintains its proper concentration. By doing this first, you create a pathway for the short-acting insulin to be drawn up afterward without altering the characteristics of the long-acting insulin.

This method helps prevent any issues that may arise from improperly mixing the two types of insulin, ensuring that the patient receives accurate dosing. It also helps maintain the integrity of the long-acting insulin, which should remain distinct in its formulation to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

Overall, proper technique in the preparation of insulin is vital for effective diabetes management, and injecting air into the long-acting insulin vial first is a fundamental practice in insulin administration.