Question

A school-age child experiences symptoms of excessive polyphagia, polyuria, and weight loss. The physician diagnoses type I diabetes mellitus and admits the child to the facility for insulin regulation. The physician prescribes an insulin regimen of insulin (Humulin R) and isophane insulin (Humulin N) administered subcutaneously. How soon after administration can the nurse expect the regular insulin to begin to act?

Answer 1

Regular insulin (Humulin R) typically starts to act within 30 minutes to 1 hour after subcutaneous administration.

Step-by-step explanation:

Regular insulin (Humulin R) typically starts to act within 30 minutes to 1 hour after subcutaneous administration. After injection, it gradually lowers the blood glucose level by helping the cells utilize glucose and bringing it back to normal within 2.5 hours. It's important for the nurse to monitor the child's blood glucose levels regularly to ensure proper insulin regulation.