A nurse is mixing a short-acting insulin and an intermediate-acting insulin in the same syringe for a client who has diabetes mellitus.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Draw the intermediate-acting insulin into the syringe.
Draw the short-acting insulin into the syringe.
Inject air into the intermediate-acting insulin vial.
Inject air into the short-acting insulin vial.
The Correct Answer is C
A. When mixing insulins, you should draw the short-acting insulin into the syringe first. This is done after injecting air into both vials (first into intermediate-acting, then into short-acting). Drawing intermediate-acting insulin first can contaminate the short-acting insulin vial with the longer-acting solution, which could alter the effectiveness of future doses.
B. Although this step is required when mixing insulins, it is not the first step. The nurse should first inject air into both vials to maintain vial pressure.
C. The nurse should inject air into the intermediate-acting insulin vial first because it helps prevent contamination and maintains the correct pressure within the vial. Intermediate-acting insulin, typically NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn), is cloudy, and air injection into the vial allows for easy withdrawal later on without disrupting the order of mixing.
D. Injecting air into the short-acting insulin vial is necessary but should be done after injecting air into the intermediate-acting vial. By injecting air into both vials first, the nurse prevents a vacuum effect, which can make it difficult to draw up the insulin. After injecting air, the nurse can draw the short-acting insulin into the syringe before moving to the intermediate-acting insulin. This order minimizes the risk of contamination.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
An oral airway can help maintain an open airway during a seizure.
Supplemental oxygen supplies can be used to provide oxygen if the client’s breathing is compromised.
Oral suction equipment can be used to clear secretions from the client’s mouth and prevent aspiration.

Limb restraints: Restraints should not be used during a seizure as they can cause injury.
Blood glucose monitor: While it is important to monitor blood glucose levels in clients with seizures, it is not a priority during a seizure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The first two actions the nurse should take are to obtain a sputum culture and a chest X-ray.
These tests can help diagnose the cause of the client’s symptoms and guide treatment.
Choice A is wrong because administering antibiotics and bronchodilators should only be done after a diagnosis has been made.
Choice B is wrong because airborne precautions and isolation may not be necessary depending on the cause of the client’s symptoms.
Choice C is wrong because cough suppressants and antihistamines may not be appropriate treatments depending on the cause of the client’s symptoms.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
