Question

Which patient action indicates a good understanding of the nurse's teaching about the use of

an insulin pump?
a. The patient programs the pump for an insulin bolus after eating.
b. The patient changes the location of the insertion site every week.
c. The patient takes the pump off at bedtime and starts it again each morning.
d. The patient plans a diet with more calories than usual when using the pump.

Answer 1

A good understanding of using an insulin pump is shown when the patient programs the pump for an insulin bolus after eating, as insulin helps to decrease blood sugar after meals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct action that indicates a good understanding of the nurse's teaching about the use of an insulin pump would be 'The patient programs the pump for an insulin bolus after eating'. This shows an understanding that insulin injections are typically needed to decrease blood glucose levels after consuming a meal, especially a large or high-glucose meal. Insulin pumps work by delivering insulin to the patient in a controlled manner, matching insulin delivery to the patient’s needs. By programming the pump for an insulin bolus after eating, the patient is actively managing their blood glucose levels.

Insulin injections play a crucial role in the management of type 1 diabetes, as they help in the uptake of glucose by the cells. Regularly changing the insertion site of the infusion set to prevent skin irritation and potential infection is also part of good pump management. Patients should be educated on how to give themselves insulin and how insulin impacts blood glucose levels.