Insulin Administration
To prevent hypoglycemia, it is appropriate to give rapid-acting insulin how many minutes before the next meal? a. 5 to 15 minutes b. 45 to 60 minutes c. 60 to 90 minutes d. The timing of insulin around meals is not necessary for this.
Correct answer: A Rationale: Onset of rapid-acting insulin occurs in 5 to 15 minutes. Administering insulin 45 to 60 minutes or 60 to 90 minutes before a meal will cause hypoglycemia. Insulin administration is important for blood glucose control and is affected by mealtimes.
SATA: What are the common injection sites for insulin administration? a. Abdomen b. Buttocks c. Foot d. Thigh e. Deltoid
Correct answer: A,B,D Rationale: Insulin should be injected into the fat just underneath the skin rather than into muscle, which can lead to quicker insulin action and a greater risk of low blood sugar. The stomach, thighs, buttocks, and upper arms are common injection sites because of their higher fat content.
Which types of insulin can be administered intravenously? SATA a. Rapid-acting b. Short-acting c. Intermediate-acting d. Long-acting
Correct answer: B Rationale: Short-acting insulin (regular insulin) is the only type of insulin that can be given intravenously. The others (rapid-acting, intermediate acting, and long-acting) must be administered subcutaneously.
What is the onset, peak, and duration of a long-acting insulin such as Detemir? a. Begins to act in 30 minutes to 1 hour, Peak effects occur in 1 to 5 hours, Lasts 6 to 10 hours b. Begins to act in 15 to 30 minutes, Peak effects occur in 1 to 3 hours, Lasts 3 to 6½ hours c. Begins to act in 0.8 to 2 hours, No peak, Lasts up to 24 hours d. Begins to act in 1 to 2 hours, Peak effects occur in 6 to 14 hours, Lasts 16 to 24 hours
Correct answer: C Rationale: A applies to short-acting insulins such as regular insulin. B applies to rapid-acting insulins such as lispro or aspart. D applies to intermediate-acting insulins such as NPH insulin.
How can the nurse best ensure the patient's safety preparing for insulin administration? (priority question) a. Talk with the patient's family member about insulin b. Wear gloves c. Obtain the patient's current blood glucose level d. Take the patient's vital signs
Correct answer: C Rationale: Obtaining the patient's current blood glucose level before administering insulin will best ensure the patient's safety. Talking with a patient's family member isn't applicable. Wearing gloves is not required when preparing insulin administration. Taking vital signs should've already been taken at this point and is not the priority in ensuring patient safety for insulin preparation.
Which of the following insulin combinations are not acceptable? a. NPH and regular insulin b. Lispro and regular insulin c. Aspart and NPH d. Detemir and regular insulin
Correct answer: D Rationale: Detemir or any other long-acting insulin should never be mixed with any other types of insulin. A, B, and C are all acceptable insulin combinations that are currently on the market.
