Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

Common insulin injection sites include which of the following areas?

1. Forearms and calves

2. Upper arms, abdomen, and upper thighs

3. Neck and back

4. Chest and feet

The correct answer is: Upper arms, abdomen, and upper thighs

The upper arms, abdomen, and upper thighs are commonly used insulin injection sites due to the presence of subcutaneous tissue, which allows for the proper absorption of insulin. Each of these areas offers a sufficient amount of fatty tissue, which is preferable for subcutaneous injections, enabling a steady and predictable absorption rate. The abdomen is particularly favored because it has a good blood supply, which can enhance the absorption of the insulin compared to other sites. Additionally, using different injection sites helps prevent lipodystrophy, a condition that can occur with repeated injections in the same area, leading to altered fat distribution and affecting insulin efficacy. Therefore, the selection of upper arms, abdomen, and upper thighs as injection sites is rooted in both practical and physiological considerations for effective diabetes management.