A nurse is assisting with developing a discharge plan for a client who has a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. The client is independent and lives alone. Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to include?

Answer: (A) Inject 20 units of air into the vial of NPH insulin.

Rationale:

A) Inject 20 units of air into the vial of NPH insulin:

Injecting air into the vial of NPH insulin is the first step to prevent creating a vacuum, which could make it difficult to withdraw the insulin later. The nurse must inject the corresponding amount of air for the dose needed, ensuring that the insulin can be withdrawn smoothly and accurately without bubbles, which could affect the dose.

B) Inject 5 units of air into the vial of regular insulin:

Injecting air into the regular insulin vial is also necessary before withdrawing the insulin, but it should be done after injecting air into the NPH vial. This sequence ensures that no NPH insulin contaminates the regular insulin vial when the nurse withdraws the doses later.

C) Withdraw 20 units of NPH insulin from the vial:

Withdrawing NPH insulin should be done after air is injected into both vials and after the regular insulin has been drawn up. This sequence prevents the mixing of the two types of insulin and ensures accurate dosing, which is crucial for maintaining the correct blood glucose levels.

D) Withdraw 5 units of regular insulin from the vial:

Withdrawing regular insulin is critical to do before the NPH insulin to prevent contamination of the regular insulin with NPH, which could alter the onset and peak times of the regular insulin. However, it should follow the steps of injecting air into both vials, starting with the NPH vial.

After a patient dies, postmortem care includes preparing them for family viewing . The nurse should place the body in the supine position, with the arms at the sides and the head on a pillow. Then elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees to prevent discoloration from blood setling in the face.

The other options are not correct because:

b) The nurse should cleanse the client's body while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on indications for isolation precautions, not necessarily sterile gloves.

c) If the patient wore dentures and your facility’s policy permits, gently insert them; then close the mouth.

d) The nurse should close the eyes by gently pressing on the lids with their fingertips. If they don’t stay closed, place moist coton balls on the eyelids for a few minutes, and then try again to close them. Surgical tape is not mentioned as necessary .