A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for NPH insulin 10 units and regular insulin 15 units subcutaneously. After injecting 10 units of air into the NPH insulin vial, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
Verify the dosage with another nurse.
Inject 15 units of air into the regular insulin vial.
Withdraw 10 units of NPH insulin.
Place the cap over the needle.
The Correct Answer is B
This step is part of the process when mixing NPH and regular insulin in a single syringe. After injecting air into the NPH insulin vial, you should inject an equal amount of air (in this case, 15 units) into the regular insulin vial to maintain pressure balance. This allows for easy withdrawal of the prescribed doses of each insulin type in the same syringe without causing a vacuum in the vials.
After injecting air into the NPH insulin vial (step 1), the nurse should proceed to inject air into the regular insulin vial (step 2) before withdrawing the insulin doses in the subsequent steps.
Verifying the dosage with another nurse is not necessary in this step, as it is done prior to drawing up the insulin. However, it is good practice to have another nurse double-check the dosage before administration.
Injecting air into the regular insulin vial is not required at this stage. It is only necessary when withdrawing the regular insulin dose.
Placing the cap over the needle should be done after withdrawing the desired dose of insulin and before administering it to the client for safety and to prevent needlestick injuries.
The correct sequence when mixing NPH and regular insulin in a single syringe is as follows:
- Inject air into the NPH insulin vial (in this case, 10 units of air).
- Inject air into the regular insulin vial (in this case, 15 units of air).
- Withdraw the prescribed dose of NPH insulin (10 units) from the NPH vial.
- Withdraw the prescribed dose of regular insulin (15 units) from the regular insulin vial.
So, after injecting air into the NPH insulin vial (step 1), the nurse should proceed to inject air into the regular insulin vial (step 2) before withdrawing the insulin doses in the subsequent steps.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Dark red urine following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) can indicate active bleeding or hematoma formation. It is important to notify the provider because further assessment and intervention may be necessary to address the source of the bleeding and prevent complications.
Frequent urge to urinate is expected after a TURP procedure as the bladder recovers and adapts to the changes. This is not a concerning finding and does not require immediate reporting to the provider.
Urine output of 300 mL over 8 hours can be considered adequate, especially in the early postoperative period. The nurse should continue to monitor the client's urinary output, but this finding does not require immediate reporting.
Occasional small clots in the urine can be expected after a TURP procedure due to the healing process and sloughing of tissue. However, if the clots become large or obstructive, or if there is a sudden increase in the frequency of clots, it should be reported to the provider.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Hyperkalemia refers to an elevated level of potassium in the blood. It can have various manifestations, and one of the critical effects of hyperkalemia is its impact on cardiac function. High levels of potassium can disrupt the normal electrical conduction in the heart, leading to arrhythmias or irregular heart rate. These arrhythmias can range from mild palpitations to more severe and life-threatening conditions like ventricular fibrillation.
Dry mucous membranes are more commonly associated with dehydration or reduced fluid intake. Hyperkalemia does not directly cause dry mucous membranes.
Trousseau's sign is a clinical manifestation of hypocalcemia, not hyperkalemia. It is characterized by carpal spasm induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff above the client's systolic blood pressure for a few minutes.
Hyperactive reflexes are commonly seen in conditions such as hyperthyroidism or certain neurologic disorders. They are not directly related to hyperkalemia.
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