The nurse is preparing to administer insulin intravenously. Which statement about the administration of intravenous insulin is true?
Insulin is never given intravenously.
Only regular insulin can be administered intravenously.
Insulin aspart or insulin lispro can be administered intravenously, but there must be a 50% dose reduction.
Any form of insulin can be administered intravenously at the same dose as that ordered for subcutaneous administration.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because insulin can be given intravenously in certain situations, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state, or perioperative care.
Choice B reason: This is correct because regular insulin is the only type of insulin that can be administered intravenously, as it is a short-acting insulin that has a rapid onset and peak. Other types of insulin, such as intermediate-acting or long-acting, are not suitable for intravenous use, as they have a delayed onset and peak and may cause hypoglycemia.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because insulin aspart and insulin lispro are rapid-acting insulins that have a faster onset and peak than regular insulin. They are not recommended for intravenous use, as they may cause severe hypoglycemia. They are usually given subcutaneously before meals to control postprandial blood glucose levels.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because not all forms of insulin can be administered intravenously, as explained above. Only regular insulin can be given intravenously, and the dose may differ from the subcutaneous dose depending on the patient's blood glucose level and insulin sensitivity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Insulin glargine is not the type of insulin to use for diabetic ketoacidosis, as it is a long-acting insulin that has a duration of 24 hours and no peak effect. It is used to provide basal insulin coverage and prevent hyperglycemia.
Choice B reason: Regular insulin is the type of insulin to use for diabetic ketoacidosis, as it is a short-acting insulin that has an onset of 30 to 60 minutes and a peak of 2 to 4 hours. It is used to lower the blood glucose level rapidly and correct the acidosis.

Choice C reason: Insulin detemir is also not the type of insulin to use for diabetic ketoacidosis, as it is a long-acting insulin that has a duration of 12 to 24 hours and no peak effect. It is also used to provide basal insulin coverage and prevent hyperglycemia.
Choice D reason: NPH insulin is also not the type of insulin to use for diabetic ketoacidosis, as it is an intermediate-acting insulin that has an onset of 2 to 4 hours and a peak of 4 to 12 hours. It is used to provide intermediate insulin coverage and prevent hyperglycemia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because NPH insulin is normally cloudy and should be gently mixed before use. However, the nurse should discard the solution if it has clumps, flakes, or crystals.
Choice B reason: This is correct because NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin that has a slower onset and longer duration than short-acting or rapid-acting insulins. The nurse should explain to the client that NPH insulin provides basal coverage and may need to be combined with other types of insulin to control blood glucose levels.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because freezing insulin can damage its potency and effectiveness. The nurse should instruct the client to store unopened insulin vials in the refrigerator and opened vials at room temperature.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because shaking insulin can cause air bubbles and frothing, which can affect the accuracy of the dose. The nurse should instruct the client to roll the insulin vial between the palms of the hands to mix it gently.
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