Administering Insulin Using an Insulin Pen in the NMC OSCE Exam in 2025

In the NMC OSCE exam, candidates may be required to demonstrate safe medication administration, including administering insulin using an Insulin Pen in the NMC OSCE Exam. This procedure is part of the Subcutaneous Injection station.

Administering insulin using Insulin Pen in the NMC OSCE Exam  is crucial for patient safety to ensure accurate dosing, prevent hypoglycemia, and reduce complications. This guide provides step-by-step instructions based on NMC OSCE best practices to administer insulin using an  Insulin Pen in the NMC OSCE Exam , ensuring you meet the required standards.

Why Use an Insulin Pen in the NMC OSCE Exam?

Insulin Pen in the NMC OSCE Exam are preferred over syringes for several reasons:
✔️ Ease of use – Simple design, making self-administration easier.
✔️ Precision – Accurately dials the required insulin dose.
✔️ Less painful – Use fine, thin needles for a more comfortable injection.
✔️ Portable – Compact and convenient for carrying anywhere.
✔️ Reduced risk of errors – Clear dosing mechanism minimizes mistakes.

Follow the steps below to successfully administer insulin using an  Insulin Pen in the NMC OSCE Exam

Step-by-Step Guide for using an  Insulin Pen in the NMC OSCE Exam

Before starting the procedure, remember to maintain professionalism, adhere to infection control measures, and ensure patient safety throughout.

Step 1: Perform Initial Checks

✔️ Wash and dry your hands using proper hand hygiene techniques.
✔️ Introduce yourself to the patient and explain the procedure.
✔ ️ Check patient identity using three identifiers (name, DOB, hospital number).
✔️ Obtain informed consent from the patient.
✔️ Confirm there are no allergies to insulin or pen needles.
✔ ️ Check the prescription chart and verify the right drug, dose, time, route, and patient (5 Rights of Medication Administration).

💡 NMC OSCE Alert: confirm current blood Glucose level Before administration.

Step 2: Prepare the Insulin Pen

✔️ Remove the insulin pen cap and check the type of insulin.
✔️ If using cloudy insulin, roll the pen between your palms 10 times to mix it.
✔️ Invert the pen 10 times to ensure proper mixing.

💡 NMC OSCE Alert: Candidates must verbalize that they are checking the expiration date and insulin clarity before proceeding.

Step 3: Attach a New Needle

✔️ Select a new sterile needle and remove the protective paper tab.
✔ ️ Screw the needle onto the insulin pen securely.
✔️ Remove the outer cover, but keep the inner cover on until ready to administer.

💡 NMC OSCE Reminder: Always use a new needle for each injection to prevent infections.

Step 4: Perform an Air Shot

✔️ Remove the inner needle cover and hold the pen upright.
✔️ Dial 2 units of insulin and press the plunger to expel any air bubbles.
✔️ Ensure that insulin appears at the tip of the needle.

💡 NMC OSCE Alert: Failure to perform an air shot correctly may result in losing marks for incorrect technique.

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Step 5: Select the Injection Site

✔️ Common insulin injection sites include:

• Abdomen (at least 5 cm away from the belly button).
• Thigh (front or outer part).
• Upper arm (back of the arm, fatty area).

✔️ Rotate injection sites and clean the area if needed.

NMC OSCE Alert; Ask Patient for preferred injection site and ensure to rotate injection site.

Step 6: Dial the Required Dose

✔️ Turn the dial to the prescribed insulin dose.
✔️ Double-check the dose before proceeding.

💡 OSCE Reminder: Verbalize that you are checking the dose against the prescription chart.

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Step 7: Inject at a 90° Angle

✔ ️ Pinch the skin and insert the needle at a 90° angle.
✔️ Fully press the plunger to inject the entire dose.

💡 NMC OSCE Alert: Ensure the needle remains in place for at least 10 seconds to allow full insulin absorption.

Step 8: Withdraw the Needle & Dispose of It Safely

✔️ After counting to 10, withdraw the needle straight out without twisting.
✔ ️ Dispose of the needle in a sharps bin immediately.
💡 OSCE Reminder: Needle must go straight into the sharps bin.

Step 9: Document the Procedure

✔️ Record the following in the medication administration record:

• Date & time of administration.
•  Sign the documentation appropriately.

💡 OSCE Alert: Failure to document properly may result in an automatic failure.

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Step 10: Conclude the Procedure

✔️ Check if the patient is feeling well after the injection.
✔️ Educate the patient on hypoglycemia symptoms.
✔️ Ensure all equipment is safely disposed of.
✔️ Wash hands and complete the procedure professionally.

💡 OSCE Tip: Always communicate with the patient throughout to ensure comfort and understanding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the NMC OSCE

🚫 Skipping hand hygiene before starting the procedure.
🚫 Failing to check the expiration date of insulin.
🚫 Not rolling/inverting cloudy insulin before use.
🚫 Forgetting to perform an air shot before administration.
🚫 Not allowing the insulin to absorb fully before removing the needle.
🚫 Failing to document the procedure correctly.

For a more in-depth guide, make sure to check out our blog on the 10 Most Common Mistakes in the NMC OSCE Exam: Read here

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Key Points to Remember for NMC OSCE Success

✅ Always follow the 5 Rights of Medication Administration (Right patient, Right drug, Right dose, Right time, Right route).
✅ Use aseptic technique to prevent contamination.
✅ Perform an air shot to remove bubbles.
✅ Insert the needle at a 90° angle and count to 10 before withdrawing.
✅ Dispose of needles immediately into the sharps bin.
✅ Document everything accurately.

Administering insulin using an insulin pen in the NMC OSCE exam requires a clear understanding of safe medication practices. Following this structured step-by-step approach ensures you meet the marking criteria while demonstrating professional and patient-centered care.

By practicing this procedure regularly, you’ll gain confidence and competence, increasing your chances of success in the OSCE exam.

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