When teaching a client how to self-administer their new prescription for 10 units of NPH insulin and 3 units of regular insulin, what should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: This statement is true. When mixing NPH and regular insulin, the nurse should instruct the client to withdraw air into the NPH vial first, then into the regular vial, and then withdraw the regular insulin first, followed by the NPH insulin. This prevents contamination of the regular insulin by the NPH insulin.

Choice B reason: This statement is false. NPH and regular insulin can be mixed together in the same syringe, as long as the correct order of drawing up is followed. This reduces the number of injections and improves compliance.

Choice C reason: This statement is false. The client should test blood glucose at least once a day, or more frequently if indicated, while taking these meds. This helps to monitor the effectiveness and safety of the insulin therapy and adjust the dosage accordingly.

Choice D reason: This statement is false. The client should take these meds 15 to 30 minutes before meals, not on an empty stomach 2 hours before breakfast. This ensures that the peak action of the regular insulin coincides with the postprandial rise in blood glucose.

Choice A reason: This statement is false. The nurse does not need to assess the client's sulfa allergy prior to giving nifedipine, as nifedipine is not a sulfa drug. Sulfa drugs are a group of antibiotics that contain the sulfonamide group and can cause allergic reactions in some people. Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that does not contain sulfonamide.

Choice B reason: This statement is false. The nurse does not need to assess the client's hemoglobin prior to giving nifedipine, as nifedipine does not affect the hemoglobin level. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues. Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes the blood vessels and improves the blood flow to the heart.

Choice C reason: This statement is false. The nurse does not need to assess the client's PTT prior to giving nifedipine, as nifedipine does not affect the blood clotting time. PTT stands for partial thromboplastin time, which is a test that measures how long it takes for the blood to clot. Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that does not interfere with the coagulation cascade.

Choice D reason: This statement is true. The nurse should assess the client's blood pressure prior to giving nifedipine, as nifedipine is a medication that lowers the blood pressure. The nurse should check the blood pressure and compare it with the baseline and the target values. The nurse should hold the nifedipine and notify the prescriber if the blood pressure is too low or too high. The nurse should also monitor the client's blood pressure after giving the nifedipine and report any changes.