Question

A patient with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes is being transitioned from an infusion of intravenous (IV) regular insulin to an intensive insulin therapy regimen of insulin glargine (Lantus) and insulin aspart (NovoLog). How should the nurse manage this transition in insulin delivery?

a. Administer the insulin glargine and continue the IV insulin infusion for 24 hours.
b. Administer the insulin glargine and discontinue the IV infusion in several hours.
c. Discontinue the IV infusion and administer the insulin aspart with the next meal.
d. Discontinue the IV infusion and administer the Lantus insulin at bedtime.

Answer 1

The nurse should discontinue the IV infusion and administer insulin glargine (Lantus) and insulin aspart (NovoLog) via subcutaneous injection.

Step-by-step explanation:

When transitioning a patient with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes from an intravenous (IV) insulin infusion to an intensive insulin therapy regimen, the nurse should discontinue the IV infusion and administer insulin glargine (Lantus) and insulin aspart (NovoLog) via subcutaneous injection.

Insulin glargine (Lantus) is a long-acting basal insulin that provides a steady level of insulin throughout the day and night. It is typically administered once daily, usually at bedtime. On the other hand, insulin aspart (NovoLog) is a fast-acting insulin that is taken with meals to control postprandial blood sugar spikes. It is usually injected shortly before meals.

By discontinuing the IV infusion and transitioning to subcutaneous injections of insulin glargine (Lantus) and insulin aspart (NovoLog), the patient can properly manage their blood sugar levels throughout the day without the need for continuous IV therapy.