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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
Impact of intravenous insulin protocols on hypoglycemia, patient safety, and nursing workload
Penny Sauer1, Elizabeth R Van Horn
1Wake Technical Community College and a staff nurse at WakeMed Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
Abstract:
The practice of tight glycemic control using an intravenous insulin infusion has been adopted in many clinical settings, and although beneficial patient outcomes have been clearly documented, the therapy poses potential risks to patient safety related to hypoglycemia and increases nursing workload. This article examines these issues through a review of current research on tight glycemic protocols. Strategies for nurse leaders are provided to improve patient safety and support bedside nurses in the administration of insulin infusion protocols.
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