Question

Nurse is preparing to administer a long-acting insulin to a client who has diabetes mellitus. Which of the following actions should the nurse pla take first?

a.Teach the client reportable adverse effects from the medication.
b.Check the insulin dose with another licensed nurse.
c.Administer the insulin at a 90° angle.
d.Clean the insertion site.

Answer 1

The nurse should first clean the insertion site before administering long-acting insulin to a client with diabetes mellitus. Ensuring proper hygiene is crucial to prevent infection and is the initial step before checking dosage with another nurse, patient education, and administering the injection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first action a nurse should take when preparing to administer long-acting insulin to a client with diabetes mellitus is d. Clean the insertion site. This is essential to prevent infection. The nurse should then proceed to check the insulin dose with another licensed nurse to ensure correct dosage, teach the client reportable adverse effects, and administer the insulin at a 90° angle if the subcutaneous tissue is adequate. Insulin injections are critical for managing blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes, as they help in the transport and storage of glucose to decrease blood glucose levels after consuming a meal.

People with type 1 diabetes need regular insulin injections, as their bodies do not produce insulin naturally. These injections make it possible for glucose to be utilized by the cells, thereby lowering high blood sugar levels to normal. Furthermore, incorrect insulin dosing can lead to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, necessitating appropriate education and monitoring for those receiving insulin therapy.