The nurse has administered 12 units of regular insulin to a client with type 1 diabetes at 0700. Which meal would prevent the client from experiencing hypoglycemia due to this administration?
Breakfast
Supper
Lunch
Snack
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Regular insulin peaks within 2-4 hours after administration. Therefore, to prevent hypoglycemia due to the insulin administered at 0700, the client should eat breakfast within 1-2 hours of insulin administration. This will ensure that there is glucose available in the bloodstream to match the insulin's action and prevent blood sugar levels from dropping too low.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially for individuals with diabetes. It helps to regulate blood sugar levels throughout the morning and can even help with weight management and overall health.
Skipping breakfast can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels and increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially after insulin administration.
Choice B rationale:
Supper, typically consumed in the evening, would not be timely enough to prevent hypoglycemia due to the 0700 insulin administration. The insulin's peak action would have already subsided by that time, and the client would be at risk for hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) instead.
Choice C rationale:
Lunch, typically consumed around noon, would also be too late to prevent hypoglycemia from the 0700 insulin administration. The insulin's peak action would have already passed, and the client would be more likely to experience hyperglycemia.
Choice D rationale:
A snack, while it can provide some glucose, is not a substitute for a balanced meal like breakfast. Snacks often contain less protein and fiber, which are essential for slowing down glucose absorption and maintaining blood sugar stability. Relying solely on snacks to prevent hypoglycemia is not a reliable strategy for long-term blood sugar management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Rationale:
NPH insulin can be mixed with certain other insulins, such as regular insulin, to achieve different effects and better control blood glucose levels. Therefore, stating that it should never be mixed with another insulin is incorrect.
Choice C rationale:
NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin that can be administered at various times of the day, depending on the individual's needs and blood glucose patterns. It is not restricted to bedtime administration only.
Choice D rationale:
When mixing NPH insulin with another insulin, the order of mixing does not significantly affect its action. The crucial aspect is to ensure proper mixing of the insulins before administration.
Choice B rationale:
NPH insulin is a suspension, meaning the insulin particles are not fully dissolved in the liquid. Therefore, it's essential to roll the vial gently between the palms to evenly distribute the insulin particles throughout the solution. This ensures that the patient receives the correct dose and prevents injection of an uneven mixture, which could lead to unpredictable blood glucose levels.
Key points to remember:
NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin that starts working within 1 to 2 hours, peaks in 4 to 12 hours, and lasts for 12 to 18 hours.
It can be mixed with regular insulin to provide both short-acting and longer-acting insulin coverage. Always follow the specific instructions provided by the insulin manufacturer and healthcare provider. Proper mixing of NPH insulin is crucial for accurate dosing and optimal glucose control.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale for Choice A:
Decreasing the morning insulin dose by half without consulting the provider could lead to hyperglycemia, which can be dangerous for patients with diabetes, especially those undergoing surgery.
It is important to individualize insulin doses based on the patient's blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and other factors. The provider may need to assess the patient's blood glucose levels and adjust the insulin dose accordingly.
Rationale for Choice B:
It is not safe to assume that the provider would want the client to receive the usual insulin dose prior to surgery without confirming this with the provider.
Patients with diabetes who are NPO (nothing by mouth) are at risk for hypoglycemia, as they are not receiving their usual intake of carbohydrates.
It is important to adjust insulin doses to prevent hypoglycemia in these patients.
Rationale for Choice D:
Holding the morning dose of insulin until after a fasting glucose is done could lead to hyperglycemia, as the patient would not be receiving any insulin to cover their blood glucose levels.
It is important to administer insulin to patients with diabetes, even if they are NPO, to prevent hyperglycemia.
Rationale for Choice C:
This is the best action for the nurse to take because it ensures that the provider is aware of the situation and can provide appropriate orders for the patient's insulin management.
The provider may need to adjust the insulin dose, order a fasting glucose level, or provide other instructions for the patient's care.
It is important to communicate with the provider to ensure that the patient receives safe and appropriate care.
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