A patient has an order for a subcutaneous injection of insulin.
Into which of the following tissues will the nurse prepare to give this injection?
Into the patient’s intravenous line.
Into the patient’s vastus lateralis.
Into the fatty tissue of the patient’s abdomen.
Into the patient’s deltoid.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Intravenous (IV) administration delivers medication directly into the bloodstream. This route is not appropriate for insulin because it would result in a rapid and potentially dangerous drop in blood glucose levels. Insulin needs to be absorbed more slowly to mimic the natural release of insulin from the pancreas.
IV administration also requires sterile technique and specialized equipment, making it more complex and time-consuming than subcutaneous injection.
Additionally, there is a higher risk of infection and other complications with IV administration.
Choice B rationale:
The vastus lateralis is a muscle in the thigh that is commonly used for intramuscular (IM) injections. However, IM injections are not typically used for insulin administration because they can be more painful and have a slower absorption rate than subcutaneous injections.
IM injections also carry a higher risk of hitting a blood vessel, which could lead to erratic absorption of insulin.
Choice D rationale:
The deltoid is a muscle in the upper arm that can be used for subcutaneous injections. However, the abdomen is generally the preferred site for insulin injection because it has a greater amount of subcutaneous fat, which helps to slow the absorption of insulin and provide a more consistent effect.
The abdomen is also a more convenient site for self-injection, as it is easily accessible.
Choice C rationale:
The fatty tissue of the abdomen is the ideal site for subcutaneous insulin injection because it provides slow and consistent absorption of insulin.
The abdomen has a rich blood supply, which helps to distribute the insulin throughout the body.
The subcutaneous tissue in the abdomen is relatively thin, which makes it easy to inject insulin without causing pain or discomfort.
The abdomen is also a large area, which allows for multiple injection sites to be used and rotated to prevent lipohypertrophy (thickening of the subcutaneous tissue).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale for Choice A:
Mixing insulin detemir and insulin aspart in the same syringe is not recommended due to their differing physicochemical properties and potential for altered absorption and action profiles.
It's crucial to follow manufacturer guidelines, as mixing may lead to suboptimal glycemic control or unpredictable insulin activity.
Rationale for Choice B:
The order of mixing insulin detemir and insulin aspart, even if done incorrectly in the same syringe, would not significantly impact the overall contraindication of mixing them.
The primary concern remains the potential for altered pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics when these insulins are combined.
Rationale for Choice C:
Drawing up insulin aspart and insulin detemir in separate syringes is the correct procedure.
This approach ensures that each insulin maintains its intended action profile and absorption characteristics, leading to more predictable glycemic control.
It also aligns with best practices and guidelines for insulin administration.
Rationale for Choice D:
While drawing up insulin detemir first in a separate syringe is technically correct, it offers no specific advantage over drawing up insulin aspart first in a separate syringe.
The key principle is to avoid mixing the two insulins in the same syringe.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): These programs focus on providing confidential counseling and support services to employees for personal and work-related issues, such as mental health, substance abuse, stress management, and family concerns. They do not play a role in determining nursing training requirements for intravenous line initiation.
Choice C rationale:
The MedWatch program: This is a voluntary reporting system for healthcare professionals and consumers to report adverse events and medication errors to the FDA. It's crucial for monitoring drug safety but does not establish training standards for nurses.
Choice D rationale:
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA): This federal agency regulates food, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics to ensure their safety and efficacy. While it sets standards for drug approval and labeling, it does not directly determine specific nursing training requirements.
Choice B rationale:
State Nurse Practice Acts: These laws, enacted by each state's legislature, define the scope of nursing practice, including the skills and tasks that nurses are legally authorized to perform. Intravenous line initiation is a skill that falls within the scope of nursing practice, and the specific training requirements for this skill are typically outlined in each state's Nurse Practice Act.
Key points:
State Nurse Practice Acts are the primary legal authority governing nursing practice within each state, including the necessary training for nurses to perform specific skills.
EAPs, MedWatch, and the FDA play important roles in healthcare but do not determine nursing training requirements
Nurses must be aware of the Nurse Practice Act in their state to ensure they are practicing within the legal scope of their profession and have received the required training for the skills they perform.
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.