Final answer:
The nurse should instruct the elderly patient that insulin glargine (Lantus), which the patient is to take at 10 PM nightly, has a peakless action profile. This means it maintains a consistent level of insulin over 24 hours, mimicking the pancreas's natural basal insulin secretion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should instruct the patient that the peak of the insulin action for insulin glargine (Lantus) is d. peakless. Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin analog that is designed to release slowly and consistently, providing a stable, baseline level of insulin that mimics the natural basal secretion of insulin by the pancreas. Consequently, it does not have a pronounced peak like short-acting insulins do, but rather maintains a relatively constant effect over a 24-hour period to help control blood glucose levels.
It's important for patients to understand this characteristic of insulin glargine because it affects how they monitor their blood glucose and manage their diabetes. Knowledge about the timing and action profile of their insulin can help prevent hypoglycemia and ensure more stable blood glucose levels.