Sharps Handling Practice Test

A 62-year-old man (weight 88 kg) with type 2 diabetes is using insulin pens and admits he leaves the needle attached to the pen between injections to “keep it clean.” Current medications: insulin glargine pen 28 units subcutaneously nightly, insulin lispro pen 8 units subcutaneously with meals, empagliflozin 25 mg orally daily, amlodipine 10 mg orally daily. Allergies: none. Labs: hemoglobin A1c 8.4%. What is the best recommendation for safe insulin pen usage?

A 50-year-old man (weight 84 kg) with type 2 diabetes reports he sometimes “tests” the insulin pen by squirting a small amount into the air with the needle attached and then throws the needle into the bathroom trash. Current medications: insulin glargine pen 26 units subcutaneously nightly, insulin aspart pen 8 units subcutaneously with meals, sitagliptin 100 mg orally daily. Allergies: none. Labs: hemoglobin A1c 8.1%. What action should the pharmacist take regarding sharps safety?