Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for 5 units of regular insulin and 10 units of NPH insulin to mix together and administer subcutaneously. Determine the correct order of steps for this procedure. (Move the steps into the box on the right, placing them in the order of performance. Use all the steps.)

1) Inject 5 units of air into the bottle of regular insulin
2) Withdraw the correct dose of NPH insulin from the bottle
3) Inject 10 units of air into the bottle of NPH insulin
4) Withdraw the correct dose of regular insulin from the bottle

Answer 1

The correct order for mixing and administering insulin is to first inject air into the NPH bottle, then the regular insulin bottle, followed by withdrawing regular insulin and then NPH insulin. Insulin injections help manage blood glucose levels in people with diabetes, and advancements in biotechnology have improved insulin quality and compatibility.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct order of steps for mixing and administering insulin is as follows:

1. Inject 10 units of air into the bottle of NPH insulin.
2. Inject 5 units of air into the bottle of regular insulin.
3. Withdraw the correct dose of regular insulin from the bottle.
4. Withdraw the correct dose of NPH insulin from the bottle.

It is essential to inject air into the NPH insulin bottle first so that when you withdraw the regular insulin, it does not contaminate the NPH insulin. Following this procedure helps ensure the accuracy of the doses and maintains the sterility and effectiveness of the insulin.

Insulin injections are critical for people with diabetes, as they help control blood glucose levels by facilitating the transport and storage of glucose. This is especially important after consuming a meal high in glucose. The ability to self-administer insulin is a vital skill for individuals living with this condition, often requiring life-long management.

Modern science has made it possible for patients to obtain human insulin, thanks to biotechnology advancements. This represents a significant improvement over animal-sourced insulin, providing better compatibility and fewer side effects.