Before administering a scheduled dose of insulin to a 10-year-old child who is learning diabetic self-care, which information is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to ask the child?

This is the action that the PN should take prior to giving digoxin to a 2-month-old infant whose heart rate is 120 beats/minute. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that is used to treat heart failure and arrhythmias. It has a narrow therapeutic range and can cause serious side effects such as bradycardia, hypotension, and toxicity. Therefore, it is important to monitor the client's vital signs before and after administering the medication. A normal heart rate for a 2-month-old infant is 100–190 beats/minute, so 120 beats/minute is within the normal range and does not indicate a need to hold the medication. The PN should administer the medication as prescribed and document the heart rate and any other relevant findings.

The PN should double-check the following with a second nurse:

• The dose of insulin drawn up in the syringe: Double-checking the dose of insulin is essential to ensure the correct amount is being administered to the client.
• The insulin vial for color and clarity: Insulin should be clear and free of particles or discoloration. Checking the vial for any abnormalities ensures the integrity and quality of the insulin.
• The expiration date on the insulin vial: Insulin should not be used beyond its expiration date. Verifying the expiration date helps ensure that the insulin is still effective and safe for administration.
• The insulin concentration: Different concentrations of insulin are available, such as

U-100 and U-500. Double-checking the concentration ensures that the correct type of insulin is being administered.

It's important to note that the other options listed are not necessary for double-checking with a second nurse in this context:

• The sliding scale insulin lispro order: Sliding scale insulin is typically used to adjust insulin doses based on blood glucose levels. However, in this case, the given dose of 2 units of insulin lispro may be a specific prescription for the client's diabetes management and not related to the acute appendicitis.
• The type of insulin to be administered: The type of insulin, in this case, is specified as insulin lispro. Confirming the type of insulin is important, but it is not a part of the double-checking process since it is already specified.
• The history and physical with the diabetes diagnosis listed: The client's medical history and diabetes diagnosis are important aspects of their overall care but are not directly related to double-checking the administration of insulin.
• The site for insulin administration: The specific site for insulin administration may depend on the client's individual preference or medical condition, but it is not a part of the double-check process. The double-check is primarily focused on the accuracy of the medication itself.