A nurse is preparing regular and NPH insulin in the same syringe for a client who has diabetes mellitus.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer the mixture within 5 minutes of preparing it.
Inject air into the regular insulin vial before injecting air into the NPH vial.
Withdraw the NPH insulin before the regular insulin.
Shake both insulin vials for 2 minutes before withdrawing the doses.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Regular insulin is a rapid-acting insulin, and NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin. When mixed in the same syringe, the regular insulin molecules can bind to the protamine in the NPH suspension. This can alter the absorption profile of the regular insulin, delaying its onset of action. Administering the mixture within 5 minutes prevents this molecular interaction and ensures the regular insulin retains its rapid-acting properties.
Choice B rationale
It is crucial to inject air into the NPH insulin vial first, followed by the regular insulin vial, and then withdraw the regular insulin dose before the NPH. This specific order prevents the NPH from contaminating the regular insulin vial with protamine, which would alter the potency and action profile of the regular insulin for future use. The regular insulin is then drawn up first.
Choice C rationale
The correct procedure is to withdraw the regular insulin before the NPH insulin. The sequence is to inject air into both vials, then draw up the clear, rapid-acting regular insulin first, followed by the cloudy, intermediate-acting NPH insulin. This sequence is essential to prevent contamination of the regular insulin vial with the NPH insulin, which could affect its rapid-acting properties.
Choice D rationale
Shaking insulin vials is generally discouraged as it can lead to the formation of air bubbles, which can result in an inaccurate dose. Instead of shaking, the NPH insulin vial should be gently rolled between the palms of the hands. This action warms the insulin and resuspends the particles uniformly without causing bubbles, ensuring an accurate and consistent dose is administered. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Ketonuria, the presence of ketones in the urine, is typically associated with hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. When glucose levels are high and cells can't use it for energy, the body starts breaking down fats, producing ketones as a byproduct. A blood glucose reading of 64 mg/dL is low and indicates hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia.
Choice B rationale
Warm skin is a sign of vasodilation, often associated with a fever or an inflammatory response. In the context of hypoglycemia, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to vasoconstriction, which would typically cause the skin to feel cool and clammy, not warm.
Choice C rationale
Nervousness is a common symptom of hypoglycemia. When blood glucose levels drop, the body releases counterregulatory hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal glands. This sympathetic nervous system activation causes symptoms such as nervousness, anxiety, palpitations, and tremors as the body attempts to raise blood sugar.
Choice D rationale
Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, is a clinical finding associated with metabolic acidosis, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In DKA, the body tries to compensate for the high acid load by increasing the respiratory rate to blow off carbon dioxide. It is not a typical symptom of hypoglycemia, which is indicated by a reading of 64 mg/dL. .
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Amnioinfusion is the infusion of saline into the amniotic cavity. It is used to treat umbilical cord compression or meconium staining, not to manage seizures. Initiating an amnioinfusion during a seizure would be an inappropriate and ineffective intervention that would not address the underlying physiological cause of eclampsia or the immediate post-seizure recovery.
Choice B rationale
An internal fetal heart monitor is an invasive procedure requiring the rupture of membranes and insertion of a fetal spiral electrode. This is not the priority action following a seizure. Post-seizure priority is maternal stabilization, ensuring a patent airway, and preventing further injury. External fetal monitoring is the standard first-line approach to assess fetal well-being.
Choice C rationale
Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity, not a treatment for seizures. Administering calcium gluconate would be inappropriate unless magnesium toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression) is suspected. The primary treatment for eclamptic seizures is magnesium sulfate, which works by depressing the central nervous system and blocking neuromuscular conduction.
Choice D rationale
Placing the client on her side is the priority action following a seizure. This position prevents aspiration of secretions, promotes venous return to the heart, and improves placental perfusion. This is a critical safety measure to protect both the mother and the fetus from further harm and is part of standard post-ictal care. *.
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