A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has pneumonia.

For each potential nursing action, click to specify if the potential action is anticipated or contraindicated for the client.

A) "Draw up the insulin lispro and insulin glargine in separate syringes.":
Insulin lispro (a rapid-acting insulin) and insulin glargine (a long-acting insulin) should be administered separately, as they have different properties and mechanisms of action. Mixing them in one syringe can affect their effectiveness and may cause inaccurate dosing. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to draw up each insulin in a separate syringe to ensure proper administration and action of both insulins.

B) "Take an extra dose of insulin lispro prior to aerobic exercise.":
Taking an extra dose of insulin lispro before exercise is not recommended unless directed by a healthcare provider. Exercise can lower blood glucose levels, and additional insulin may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Instead, clients with diabetes are typically advised to monitor their blood glucose levels before and after exercise and adjust their insulin dose or carbohydrate intake accordingly, under the guidance of their healthcare provider.

C) "Expect insulin glargine to be cloudy.":
Insulin glargine is a clear, long-acting insulin. It should not be cloudy. If the insulin appears cloudy, it may be a sign that the insulin has been improperly stored or is no longer effective. The nurse should educate the client to inspect the insulin for cloudiness or particles and to discard any insulin that appears abnormal.

D) "Anticipate that the insulin glargine will peak in 3 hours.":
Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that does not have a pronounced peak. It provides a steady release of insulin over 24 hours and helps to maintain baseline insulin levels. It is not meant to peak like rapid-acting or short-acting insulins. Therefore, this instruction is incorrect, as insulin glargine does not follow the same peak-action pattern as other insulins.

A) Mix the 2 medications together prior to administration: It is not recommended to mix medications together before administering them through an NG tube unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider or the pharmacy. Some medications can interact or precipitate when combined, which could reduce their effectiveness or cause harmful reactions. Therefore, it is safer to administer each medication separately, followed by a flush.

B) Add the medications to a small amount of the formula: Medications should not be mixed with enteral feeding formula, as it can affect the absorption of the medication and alter its effectiveness. Additionally, the medications could interact with components of the formula, leading to complications or reduced efficacy.

C) Flush the tube with at least 30 mL of sterile water prior to administering the medications: This is the correct action. Flushing the NG tube with 30 mL of sterile water before administering medications helps ensure the tube is clear and patent, preventing clogging. It also prepares the tube to receive the medications, ensuring proper delivery into the gastrointestinal tract.

D) Connect the NG tube to suction 10 minutes after administration of the medications: Connecting the NG tube to suction immediately after medication administration could remove the medications before they are absorbed. It is important to wait at least 30 minutes after administering medications before connecting the NG tube to suction to ensure the medication is absorbed adequately.