A patient with a suspected myocardial infarction is in the emergency department. The nurse is preparing to administer 325 mg of aspirin.
What action should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Hypoglycemia is the most frequent side effect of insulin administration. It occurs when blood glucose levels drop too low, typically below 70 mg/dL.

Insulin is a hormone that plays a key role in regulating blood glucose levels. It works by promoting the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into cells, where it can be used for energy.

When too much insulin is administered, or when blood glucose levels are already low, it can lead to hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia can vary, but they often include:

Shakiness Sweating Anxiety Hunger Palpitations Confusion Dizziness Blurred vision Seizures

Loss of consciousness

If hypoglycemia is not treated promptly, it can lead to serious complications, such as coma or death.

Therefore, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and to take steps to prevent it. This may involve monitoring blood glucose levels regularly, adjusting insulin doses as needed, and carrying a source of fast-acting glucose, such as glucose tablets or juice, to treat hypoglycemia if it occurs.

Choice A rationale:

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, requiring more insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels.

It's primarily caused by factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and genetic predisposition. Rotating injection sites does not directly address these underlying causes of insulin resistance.

It can help ensure consistent insulin absorption, but it's not the primary mechanism for preventing insulin resistance.

Choice B rationale:

Allergic reactions to insulin are rare but can occur.

They typically manifest as localized symptoms at the injection site, such as redness, swelling, itching, or pain.

In severe cases, systemic reactions like hives, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis can occur.

Rotating injection sites might reduce the risk of localized allergic reactions by preventing repeated exposure to insulin in the same area of skin.

However, it does not prevent systemic allergic reactions, which are immune-mediated and not dependent on the injection site.

Choice C rationale:

Lipodystrophy is a condition characterized by abnormal changes in fat distribution under the skin. It can occur as a complication of repeated insulin injections at the same site.

There are two main types of lipodystrophy:

Lipohypertrophy: This involves the accumulation of excess fatty tissue at injection sites, creating visible lumps or bumps. Lipoatrophy: This involves the loss of fatty tissue at injection sites, leading to depressions or indentations in the skin.

Both lipohypertrophy and lipoatrophy can interfere with insulin absorption, leading to unpredictable blood glucose control.

Rotating injection sites helps to prevent lipodystrophy by distributing insulin injections over a wider area of skin, reducing the likelihood of repeated trauma to the same tissue.

Choice D rationale:

Insulin shock, also known as hypoglycemia, is a condition that occurs when blood glucose levels drop too low.

It can be caused by several factors, including excessive insulin dosing, missed meals, or increased physical activity. Rotating injection sites does not directly affect the risk of insulin shock.

It's essential for individuals using insulin to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly, adjust insulin doses as needed, and follow a balanced diet and exercise plan to prevent hypoglycemia.