Question

The physician prescribes regular insulin, 5 units subcutaneous. Regular insulin begins to exert an effect: A. In 5-10 minutes B. In 10-20 minutes C. In 30-60 minutes D. In 60-120 minutes

Short answer

Answer: In 30-60 minutes

Step-by-step solution

Identify the type of insulin in the question

The question mentions that the physician has prescribed regular insulin. It is essential to know that there are different types of insulin, each with varying onset, peak, and duration. The focus here is on regular insulin and its onset of action.

Review pharmacology knowledge related to insulin

Recall the onset of action for various insulin types. Regular insulin, also known as short-acting insulin, starts acting within a specific time frame after being administered subcutaneously (under the skin).

Match the correct time frame with the given options

Based on pharmacology knowledge, regular insulin begins to exert its effect within 30-60 minutes after subcutaneous administration. Therefore, the correct answer is: C. In 30-60 minutes

Key concepts

Understanding Regular Insulin Onset

Regular insulin is a type of short-acting insulin that is commonly used in the management of diabetes to control blood glucose levels. Knowing when it begins to work is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers to effectively plan meals and adjust insulin doses.
Regular insulin, when administered subcutaneously, typically starts to take effect within 30 to 60 minutes. This timeframe is essential for managing the timing of meals to coincide with the insulin's activity.

• Administer regular insulin approximately 30-60 minutes before meals to align with its onset.
• This helps prevent a spike in blood glucose levels following food intake.

Understanding the onset is key in preventing both hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). By timing insulin administration properly, patients can achieve better glucose control and prevent complications.

Insulin Pharmacology Insight

Insulin pharmacology is a vast field that covers various types of insulin, including their onset, peak action, and duration. These parameters help clinicians prescribe the right type of insulin based on individual patient needs.
Regular insulin is classified as a short-acting insulin. Its onset is within 30-60 minutes, peaks at 2-4 hours, and can last up to 6-8 hours.

• Short-acting insulins are designed to manage blood sugar spikes after meals.
• In comparison, rapid-acting insulins have a quicker onset and shorter duration, while long-acting insulins provide a basal level of insulin throughout the day.

A deep understanding of insulin pharmacology helps ensure optimal blood sugar control and reduces the risk of severe diabetes complications, such as neuropathy and cardiovascular diseases.

Nursing Exam Preparation: Insulin Basics

Nursing exams, such as the NCLEX-PN, often test knowledge of pharmacology, including insulin management. Here are some tips to excel in the exam concerning insulin knowledge.

• Memorize the onset, peak, and duration of different types of insulin. This is crucial for safe and effective patient care.
• Always link clinical scenarios with pharmacology knowledge. For instance, administering regular insulin requires synchronizing meal planning to its onset.
• Practice NCLEX-style questions to get familiar with the exam format, especially on pharmacology topics.

By focusing on these key areas, nursing students will be better prepared to answer pharmacology questions effectively. Understanding how insulins work and how to administer them safely is a critical component of nursing care and exam success.