Question

The nurse needs to administer two types of insulin to the client. Which of the following is the correct procedure for mixing two types of insulin in the same syringe? a. Withdraw the regular insulin prior to any other type of insulin. b. Withdraw the regular insulin after other types of insulin. c. Draw each of the insulin medications in a separate syringe then combine the two. d. Withdraw one half dose of the regular insulin prior to the other insulin, and then withdraw the remaining dose of the regular insulin.

Short answer

a. Withdraw the regular insulin prior to any other type of insulin.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Types of Insulin

Regular insulin and other types (such as NPH insulin) have different properties and must be handled carefully. Regular insulin is short-acting, while NPH insulin is intermediate-acting.

Know the Sequence of Withdrawal

The sequence in which you withdraw insulin into the syringe is crucial to avoid contamination and ensure proper efficacy. Always follow the correct procedure recommended by medical guidelines.

Correct Procedure for Mixing Insulin

According to medical guidelines, when mixing regular insulin with another type of insulin, you must withdraw the regular insulin first. This helps to avoid contaminating the vial of regular insulin with other types of insulin.

Verify Your Knowledge

Review the options provided and identify the one that aligns with the correct procedure. a. Withdraw the regular insulin prior to any other type of insulin. b. Withdraw the regular insulin after other types of insulin. c. Draw each of the insulin medications in a separate syringe then combine the two. d. Withdraw one half dose of the regular insulin prior to the other insulin, and then withdraw the remaining dose of the regular insulin.

Select the Correct Answer

The correct answer is option a: Withdraw the regular insulin prior to any other type of insulin.

Key concepts

mixing insulin

Mixing insulin properly is an important skill for nurses and other healthcare professionals. When administering insulin, especially when combining two types, it is crucial to follow the correct procedure to ensure patient safety and effectiveness of the medication. Insulin types such as regular insulin and NPH insulin must be mixed in the correct sequence to avoid contamination and ensure the efficacy of the treatment. Not following the recommended steps can lead to incorrect dosages and reduced effectiveness.

regular insulin

Regular insulin, also known as short-acting insulin, starts working within 30 minutes after injection and peaks in about 2-3 hours. This type of insulin is often used to control blood sugar during meals and can be mixed with other types to cover longer periods. When mixed with other insulin types such as NPH, regular insulin must be drawn into the syringe first. This is to prevent contamination of the regular insulin vial, which could otherwise compromise its quick-acting properties. Always handle regular insulin with careful attention to avoid any potential errors.

NPH insulin

NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin. It begins to work within 2-4 hours after injection and lasts for about 12-18 hours. NPH insulin provides longer blood glucose control and is often mixed with regular insulin to reap the benefits of both short and long-acting control. When drawing NPH insulin after regular insulin, ensure the placement of the vial remains sterile and uncontaminated. Properly mixing these two insulins in the correct order is essential for effective diabetes management and ensuring patients receive the correct dosages.

correct procedure

To correctly mix regular and NPH insulin in the same syringe, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly to maintain hygiene.
- Roll the NPH insulin vial between your hands to mix it; do not shake it as it may create bubbles.
- Clean the tops of both vials with an alcohol swab to maintain sterility.
- Inject air into the NPH insulin vial equal to the dose required, then remove the needle without drawing any insulin.
- Inject air into the regular insulin vial equal to the dose required, then draw the regular insulin dose.
- Finally, draw the NPH insulin dose into the same syringe.
Ensuring this sequence is followed helps maintain the sterility and effectiveness of both insulins and provides the patient with the correct therapeutic dosage.