A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving both short-acting and intermediate-acting insulin. The nurse should understand that:

A. Performing a blood sugar analysis is important, but in the case of sudden symptoms such as weakness, shakiness, and dizziness, it is crucial to act quickly to address the potential hypoglycemia without delay.

B. Having the client drink a 4-ounce glass of orange juice is the most appropriate initial response as it provides a quick source of glucose to alleviate symptoms of hypoglycemia, which is a common concern in clients with type 1 diabetes experiencing these symptoms.

C. Administering 1 ampule of 50% dextrose intravenously is an effective treatment for hypoglycemia but is typically reserved for severe cases where the patient is unable to consume oral glucose or is unconscious.

D. Administering 10 units of regular insulin subcutaneously would exacerbate the problem by lowering blood sugar further and is contraindicated in a patient experiencing hypoglycemic symptoms.

A. Short-acting insulin does not cover basal needs; that is the role of long-acting insulin.

B. Intermediate-acting insulin does not primarily cover mealtime glucose spikes; it provides a more prolonged effect.

C. Short-acting insulin is used to manage blood glucose during meals, while intermediate-acting insulin helps maintain glucose control between meals and overnight, making this the correct choice.

D. Short-acting and intermediate-acting insulins have different onset and peak times; they do not share the same pharmacokinetic properties.