A nurse is teaching a client who is newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus about insulin safety. Which of the following statements by the nurse is appropriate?
Insulin is stable at room temperature for one month.
Insulins can be mixed in the same syringe.
Storing insulin in the freezer will prolong its stability.
Clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus should keep backup medication and supplies in their car.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Insulin is stable at room temperature (between 59°F and 86°F) for up to one month. This is important for patients to know, especially if they do not have immediate access to refrigeration. However, it is crucial to avoid exposing insulin to extreme temperatures, such as direct sunlight or freezing conditions, as these can degrade the medication’s effectiveness.
Choice B Reason:
While some types of insulin can be mixed in the same syringe, this practice is not universally applicable to all insulin types. For example, rapid-acting and intermediate-acting insulins can sometimes be mixed, but long-acting insulins should not be mixed with other insulins. Therefore, this statement is not entirely accurate and should be clarified based on the specific types of insulin being used.
Choice C Reason:
Storing insulin in the freezer is not recommended as freezing can damage the insulin, rendering it ineffective. Insulin should be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures between 36°F and 46°F. If insulin is accidentally frozen, it should not be used.
Choice D Reason:
While it is advisable for clients with type 1 diabetes to have backup medication and supplies, storing them in a car is not recommended due to the potential for extreme temperature fluctuations. Insulin and other diabetes supplies should be kept in a stable, controlled environment to ensure their efficacy.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Synchronized Electrical Cardioversion
Synchronized electrical cardioversion is a procedure that uses a therapeutic dose of electric current to the heart at a specific moment in the cardiac cycle to restore a normal heart rhythm. It is typically used to treat certain types of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and supraventricular tachycardia. However, it is not the primary treatment for heart failure with arrhythmias. This procedure is more suited for acute management of arrhythmias rather than long-term regulation of heart rhythm in heart failure patients.
Choice B reason: Heart Catheterization with Percutaneous Intervention
Heart catheterization with percutaneous intervention, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), involves using a catheter to open up blocked coronary arteries. This procedure is primarily used to treat coronary artery disease and improve blood flow to the heart muscle. While it can alleviate symptoms of heart disease and prevent heart attacks, it does not directly address the issue of arrhythmias associated with heart failure. Therefore, it is not the most appropriate choice for regulating heart rhythm in this context.
Choice C reason: Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT)
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a specialized treatment for heart failure patients who have developed arrhythmias. CRT involves implanting a device called a biventricular pacemaker, which sends electrical signals to both the left and right ventricles to help them contract in a more synchronized manner. This improves the efficiency of the heart’s pumping action and can significantly alleviate symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath and fatigue. CRT is particularly beneficial for patients with moderate to severe heart failure and those whose heart chambers do not beat in unison. This makes CRT the most appropriate choice for regulating heart rhythm in a patient with worsening heart failure and arrhythmias.
Choice D reason: Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart. It provides detailed information about the heart’s structure and function, including the size and shape of the heart chambers, the movement of the heart walls, and the function of the heart valves. While an echocardiogram is essential for diagnosing and monitoring heart conditions, it is not a treatment procedure. It does not regulate heart rhythm but rather helps in assessing the severity of heart failure and guiding treatment decisions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
“I need to walk slowly as I lose my balance often” is a significant safety concern for a client with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Balance issues can increase the risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries, especially in clients with compromised circulation. PAD can cause muscle weakness and pain, which may contribute to balance problems. Reporting this symptom to the provider is crucial for further evaluation and intervention to prevent falls and improve the client’s mobility and safety.
Choice B reason:
“I have a small-healed area on my spine that is painful” is not directly related to peripheral artery disease. While pain in different parts of the body can be concerning, this statement does not indicate an immediate safety risk associated with PAD. However, it is still important for the nurse to document and monitor this symptom, as it could be related to other underlying conditions.
Choice C reason:
“I don’t go out much because of the pain in my legs” is a common symptom of PAD known as claudication, which is pain caused by too little blood flow during exercise. While this statement indicates a significant impact on the client’s quality of life, it does not pose an immediate safety risk that requires urgent reporting. The nurse should provide education on managing claudication and encourage the client to engage in supervised exercise programs to improve circulation.
Choice D reason:
“It makes me sad that I can’t keep up with my grandchildren” reflects the emotional and psychological impact of PAD on the client’s life. While this is an important aspect of the client’s overall well-being, it does not represent an immediate safety concern. The nurse should address the client’s emotional health and consider referring them to a mental health professional for support.
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