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
While larger gauge catheters (e.g., 18-gauge) are used for rapid infusion, they also cause more trauma to the vein's intimal layer during insertion. This trauma can trigger a localized inflammatory response, increasing the risk of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. Smaller gauge catheters (e.g., 22-24 gauge) cause less trauma and are preferred for routine fluid administration to prevent this complication.
Choice B rationale
The non-dominant arm is the preferred site for IV access whenever possible. Using the non-dominant arm allows the client to maintain more normal function and independence with daily activities, as they can still use their dominant hand without the restriction of the IV line. This also minimizes the risk of accidental dislodgement or trauma to the site.
Choice C rationale
Selecting a site proximal to previous venipuncture sites is the recommended practice. When a vein is punctured, it can cause localized inflammation and scar tissue formation distal to the site. Starting proximal allows for the use of a healthier segment of the vein, which improves the likelihood of successful insertion and reduces the risk of extravasation or phlebitis.
Choice D rationale
The palmar side of the client's wrist should be avoided for IV insertion. This area contains a high concentration of nerves and tendons, including the median nerve and radial artery. Inserting a catheter here increases the risk of nerve damage, which can lead to permanent numbness, tingling, or pain, and also increases the risk of arterial puncture. *.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Drowsiness is a symptom of hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis). Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism. An overdose or excessive dose of this medication would lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism, which is the opposite of drowsiness. Instead, clients would likely experience increased energy levels, anxiety, or insomnia.
Choice B rationale
Weight gain is a classic symptom of hypothyroidism, not thyrotoxicosis. When the body's metabolism slows down due to insufficient thyroid hormone, the client may gain weight. A client experiencing thyrotoxicosis from an excessive dose of levothyroxine would typically exhibit a hypermetabolic state, which often leads to unintended weight loss despite an increased appetite.
Choice C rationale
A fever is a sign of an accelerated metabolic rate, which is a key feature of thyrotoxicosis. When thyroid hormone levels become excessively high, the body's basal metabolic rate increases significantly, causing an increase in body temperature. This can manifest as a low-grade fever or even a significant fever in severe cases, requiring immediate medical attention.
Choice D rationale
Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is a symptom of hypothyroidism. The heart rate slows down as the body's overall metabolic processes decrease. Thyrotoxicosis is characterized by a rapid heart rate, known as tachycardia. This is due to the excessive stimulation of the cardiovascular system by high levels of thyroid hormone. A normal heart rate is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute. .
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