Question

The client has an order for administration of 10 units of regular insulin to be given at 7:00 a.m. The nurse should offer a snack at: A. 3:00 p.m. B. 1:00 p.m. C. 11:00 a.m. D. 9:00 a.m.

Short answer

Answer: D. 9:00 a.m.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the action of Regular Insulin

Regular insulin is a short-acting form of insulin, which helps in lowering the blood sugar levels to control the patient's diabetes. The action of regular insulin starts within 30 minutes of administration, and it peaks within 2 to 5 hours after being administered. It is essential to remember the peak time as it can lead to hypoglycemia if a patient doesn't consume food during this period.

Calculate the time when the insulin peaks

From the information given, the insulin was administered at 7:00 a.m. Since regular insulin peaks within 2 to 5 hours of administration, we need to look at the time frame between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Determine the appropriate time for a snack

To prevent hypoglycemia, the nurse should offer a snack around the peak time of insulin action. In this case, that would be between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Now, let's look at the options provided: A. 3:00 p.m. B. 1:00 p.m. C. 11:00 a.m. D. 9:00 a.m. Looking at these options, we can quickly eliminate options A and B as they fall outside the peak insulin action timeframe. Therefore, the correct answer is either 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.

Choose the best option

As the peak can occur anytime between 2 to 5 hours after the administration of insulin, it is better to be on the safe side and go with the earlier time to avoid any potential hypoglycemic episodes. So, the nurse should offer a snack at: D. 9:00 a.m.

Key concepts

Insulin Administration

Administering insulin is a crucial nursing skill, especially for managing diabetes effectively. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels by allowing glucose to be absorbed into cells for energy. Understanding the types of insulin and their action timings is vital for safe and effective patient care.
A short-acting insulin, like regular insulin, begins working within 30 minutes. It peaks in its effectiveness between 2 to 5 hours post-administration and works fully for about 6-8 hours. This peak period is crucial because it indicates when the patient's blood glucose is most likely to be lowered significantly. Hence, monitoring patients around this time frame is essential.

• Administer insulin as per the specific doctor's orders.
• Ensure patients understand their insulin schedule and the importance of timing.
• Always rotate injection sites to prevent complications and absorption variations.

Hypoglycemia Management

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a potential side effect of insulin therapy. Understanding hypoglycemia management is vital for ensuring patient safety. It occurs when blood sugar levels fall too low, often due to a mismatch between insulin administration and food intake. Recognizing the symptoms early can prevent serious complications.

• Common symptoms include shakiness, sweating, dizziness, hunger, irritability, and confusion.
• Prevent hypoglycemia by timing meals and snacks with insulin peaks.
• Encourage patients to carry fast-acting sugar sources like glucose tablets or juice.

Providing a snack during the insulin's peak action time, as in the example solution, helps prevent blood sugar levels from dropping too low. This approach is especially important during peak activity periods, where insulin is most effective.

Nursing Pharmacology

Nursing pharmacology involves understanding the medications administered to patients, including their mechanisms, side effects, and interactions. Insulin is a cornerstone of pharmacological diabetes management, requiring detailed knowledge to ensure patient safety and care.
Nurses need to understand different insulin types, such as rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting, as each has unique onset, peak, and duration times that affect treatment plans.

• Ensure patient education about medication, including dose timing and potential side effects.
• Monitor for adverse reactions and manage them promptly.
• Stay informed about new protocols and insulin types to provide the best care possible.

Understanding pharmacology also involves knowing how insulin interacts with other medications the patient may be taking. Proper evaluation and management can prevent potential adverse interactions, enhancing overall treatment efficacy.