A nurse is preparing to administer insulin to a client with type 1 diabetes. The provider has prescribed 22 units of regular insulin subcutaneously. Which insulin syringe should the nurse select to ensure the most accurate measurement?

A. 3-mL syringe so they can draw up 0.22 mL of insulin: A 3-mL syringe is too large and lacks the fine calibration needed for accurate measurement of insulin doses. It increases the risk of dosing errors in small volumes. B. 1-mL syringe so they can draw up 0.22 mL of insulin: A 1-mL syringe is typically used for tuberculin or other medications but is not graduated in insulin units. Using it requires conversion, which increases the chance of serious medication errors. C. 10-unit syringe so they can draw up 22 units of insulin: A 10-unit syringe only measures up to 10 units, so it cannot hold the prescribed 22 units. This makes it inappropriate for the ordered dose. D. 30-unit syringe so they can draw up 22 units of insulin: An insulin syringe calibrated in units allows direct and accurate measurement. A 30-unit syringe is the safest choice for a 22-unit dose because it provides precision without requiring conversion.