Question

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and is learning to self-administer NPH insulin. Which of the following client actions indicates an understanding of the teaching?

a. The client shakes the insulin vial prior to drawing up the dose.
b. The client uses the tip of the plunger to measure the correct dose.
c. The client injects air into the vial after inverting it.
d. The client wipes the cap with alcohol prior to filling the syringe.

Answer 1

The correct action that indicates understanding of self-administering NPH insulin is wiping the cap with alcohol before filling the syringe. This ensures sterility and prevents contamination. Other options mentioned are incorrect procedures and could lead to inaccurate dosing or infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct action that indicates an understanding of self-administering NPH insulin by a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is d. The client wipes the cap with alcohol prior to filling the syringe. This is an essential step to maintain sterility and prevent infection. Shaking the insulin vial (option a) is not recommended because it can create air bubbles and lead to inaccurate dosing. Using the tip of the plunger to measure the correct dose (option b) is incorrect because the correct dose is measured using the marked lines on the syringe barrel. Injecting air into the vial after inverting it (option c) is also incorrect, as air should be injected into the vial before drawing the insulin to equalize the pressure and facilitate an accurate withdrawal of the insulin dose.

It is important to remember that insulin injections are used to transport and store glucose to help decrease blood glucose levels after a meal with high sugar content. Correct injection techniques are vital for managing type 1 diabetes effectively.