What specific administration techniques should the nurse employ when administering NPH insulin?
Never mix with another insulin.
Roll the vial gently to mix the suspension.
Only administer this insulin at bedtime.
When mixing with another insulin, draw the NPH into the syringe first.
The Correct Answer is B
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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Glipizide does not directly enhance glucose transport into the muscles. This action is primarily mediated by insulin, which increases the expression of glucose transporter proteins (GLUT4) on muscle cell membranes, facilitating glucose uptake.
While glipizide can indirectly improve glucose transport into muscles by increasing insulin levels, it's not the primary mechanism of action.
Choice B rationale:
Glipizide does not directly facilitate glucose utilization by body cells. This process also largely depends on insulin, which activates intracellular pathways that promote glucose metabolism and energy production.
Although glipizide can indirectly enhance glucose utilization by increasing insulin availability, it's not the main mechanism responsible for its glucose-lowering effects.
Choice C rationale:
Glipizide does not boost glucose levels. In fact, it has the opposite effect, lowering blood glucose levels by stimulating insulin secretion.
Elevating glucose levels would be counterproductive in diabetes management, as the goal is to maintain blood glucose within a healthy range.
Choice D rationale (correct answer):
Glipizide belongs to a class of medications called sulfonylureas, which act primarily by stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells.
Insulin is a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels. It promotes glucose uptake by various tissues, including muscles, liver, and adipose tissue, and it inhibits glucose production by the liver.
By triggering insulin release, glipizide effectively lowers blood glucose levels. This helps to prevent the long-term complications of diabetes, such as damage to blood vessels, nerves, and organs.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin that typically peaks 6-12 hours after administration.
Given that the insulin was administered at 1700 (5:00 PM), the peak action would be expected to occur between 2100 (9:00 PM) and 0500 (5:00 AM).
This time frame aligns with the known pharmacokinetics of NPH insulin.
It's crucial for nurses to be aware of the peak action times of different insulin types to effectively manage blood glucose levels and adjust insulin doses accordingly.
Choice B rationale:
Incorrect. NPH insulin does have a peak action, as explained above.
It's important to understand that even intermediate-acting insulins have a period of peak activity when they exert their strongest glucose-lowering effect.
Choice C rationale:
Incorrect. This time frame is too early to represent the peak action of NPH insulin. The peak action typically occurs later, between 6-12 hours after administration.
Choice D rationale:
Incorrect. This time point is too specific to accurately represent the peak action of NPH insulin.
The peak action can vary within the 6-12 hour window, depending on individual factors and injection site.
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