Final answer:
Primarily, the nurse should prime the pen device before administering insulin subcutaneously. Shaking the pen is not recommended and needles should not be recapped but disposed of safely. Insulin helps reduce blood glucose levels by promoting glucose transport and storage.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse is preparing to administer insulin to a client via a pen device, the correct action to take is to prime the pen device before administration. It is not advisable to shake the pen device as it may lead to air bubbles or affect the insulin. The insulin should definitely be administered subcutaneously, typically in areas such as the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, to ensure proper absorption. Recapping the needle before disposal is not recommended due to the risk of needlestick injuries. Instead, it should be disposed of in a sharps container immediately after use. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the control of blood glucose levels, and it is typically administered after consuming a large or high-glucose meal to help decrease blood glucose levels by facilitating the transport and storage of glucose.