How should a nurse document the presence of thick, creamy yellow discharge on a patient’s dressing?

Choice A rationale:

Incorrect. Mixing insulin detemir and insulin aspart in the same syringe is generally not recommended due to the following reasons:

Altered Pharmacokinetics: Mixing insulins can potentially alter their absorption and action profiles, leading to unpredictable blood glucose control.

Stability Concerns: The compatibility of different insulins in a mixed solution is not always guaranteed, potentially leading to precipitation or decreased potency.

Dosing Accuracy: Drawing up mixed insulins accurately can be challenging, especially when different dosages are required for each type.

Manufacturer Recommendations: Insulin manufacturers typically advise against mixing different insulins unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional.

Choice B rationale:

Incorrect. While the order of drawing up insulins may have a minor impact on mixing, it does not address the fundamental concerns of mixing different insulins in the same syringe. The primary issue is the potential for altered pharmacokinetics, stability concerns, and dosing accuracy, as explained in the rationale for Choice A.

Choice D rationale:

Incorrect. Rolling insulin bottles between the palms is a technique used to gently resuspend insulin particles that may have settled at the bottom. However, it does not pertain to the correct procedure for drawing up different insulins for administration.

Choice C rationale:

Correct. Administering insulin detemir and insulin aspart using separate syringes and different injection sites is the most appropriate approach for several reasons:

Maintains Pharmacokinetics: It ensures that each insulin maintains its intended absorption and action profile, promoting optimal blood glucose control.

Ensures Stability: Using separate syringes eliminates the risk of potential incompatibility issues that could arise from mixing insulins.

Promotes Dosing Accuracy: Drawing up insulins in separate syringes allows for greater precision in administering the correct dosage of each type.

Aligns with Manufacturer Guidelines: This approach adheres to the recommendations of insulin manufacturers, ensuring safe and effective administration.

Additional Considerations:

Nurses should always consult the latest insulin administration guidelines and individual patient needs for optimal care.

Proper education and counseling should be provided to patients who require multiple insulin injections to ensure adherence and understanding of correct administration techniques.

The correct answer is E(None of the Above)

Rationale for E:

The options A, B, C, and D all describe actions or physiological measurements that do not directly indicate an allergic reaction.

Allergic reactions involve the immune system's response to a specific substance, whereas side effects are unintended reactions to a medication that are not caused by an immune response.

Key differences between allergic reactions and side effects:

Allergic reactions:

Typically occur rapidly after exposure to the allergen.

Can involve various body systems, including the skin (hives, itching, rash), respiratory system (wheezing, difficulty breathing, throat tightness), gastrointestinal system (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), and cardiovascular system (low blood pressure, shock).

May be life-threatening in severe cases, such as anaphylaxis. Side effects:

Can occur at any time during medication use.

Usually more predictable and less severe than allergic reactions.

Often subside as the body adjusts to the medication or with dose adjustments. Important considerations for nurses:

Carefully assess patients for potential allergies before administering medications.

Monitor patients closely for any signs of allergic reactions or side effects after medication administration.

Promptly intervene if an allergic reaction is suspected, following established protocols and administering emergency medications as needed.

Document all observations and actions related to medication administration and patient responses.