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A nurse is preparing to administer 10 units of regular insulin and 20 units of NPH insulin to a client who has diabetes mellitus.

When mixing the two types of insulin, which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A.

Replace the needle for withdrawal with a safety needle.

B.

Inject 20 units of air into the NPH insulin vial.

C.

Inject 10 units of air into the regular insulin vial.

D.

Withdraw 10 units of insulin from the regular insulin vial.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

 

The correct answer is choice B. Inject 20 units of air into the NPH insulin vial.

 

Choice A rationale:

Replacing the needle for withdrawal with a safety needle is an important step to ensure safety and prevent needle-stick injuries. However, this action is not the first step when mixing two types of insulin. The initial steps involve preparing the insulin vials by injecting air into them.

 

Choice B rationale:

Injecting 20 units of air into the NPH insulin vial is the correct first step. This is because NPH insulin is a suspension and needs to be mixed properly. Injecting air into the vial helps to equalize the pressure, making it easier to withdraw the correct amount of insulin later. This step is crucial to ensure accurate dosing and proper mixing of the insulin.

 

Choice C rationale:

Injecting 10 units of air into the regular insulin vial is also necessary, but it is not the first step. The correct sequence is to first inject air into the NPH insulin vial, then into the regular insulin vial. This order helps prevent contamination of the regular insulin with NPH insulin.

 

Choice D rationale:

Withdrawing 10 units of insulin from the regular insulin vial is an important step, but it should be done after injecting air into both vials. The correct sequence ensures that the insulin is mixed properly and that the doses are accurate.

By following these steps in the correct order, the nurse ensures that the insulin is mixed safely and effectively, minimizing the risk of errors and ensuring proper glycemic control for the patient.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
Notifying the nurse manager is important, but it’s not the priority action.
Choice B rationale:
Monitoring the client for hypoglycemia is the priority because the nurse administered an excessive insulin dose.
Choice C rationale:
Completing an incident report is necessary, but it’s not the priority action.
Choice D rationale:
Giving the client 15 to 20 g of carbohydrate might be necessary if the client shows signs of hypoglycemia.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
Varicose veins with ulcerations and lower extremity edema indicate poor blood flow, hence impaired tissue perfusion is the priority.
Choice B rationale:
While activity tolerance might be affected, it’s not the immediate concern.
Choice C rationale:
Impaired skin integrity is a concern due to ulcerations, but it’s secondary to impaired perfusion.
Choice D rationale:
Body image might be affected, but it’s not a physiological priority.

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