Question

A client has a sliding scale for insulin dosage. The order is for Humulin R every 6 hours as follows. (Note: "BG" is Accuchecks every 6 hours BG 0-80 mg/dL, give 1 BG 81-100 mg/dL, O units subcutaneously BG 101-150 mg/dL, 2 units subcutaneously BG 151-200 mg/dL, 3 units subcutaneously BG 201-250 mg/dL, units subcutaneously BG 251-300 mg/dL, 8 units subcutaneously and call healthcare provider >300, call healthcare provider At 6 AM, the client's Accucheck reading was 129 mg/dL. What would be the correct actions by the nurse?

A. Call the healthcare provider
B. Give 1 amp of D50 and call the healthcare provider
C. Give 2 units Humulin R
D. Give 2 units NPH insulin

Answer 1

The nurse should administer 2 units of Humulin R insulin subcutaneously, as the patient's blood glucose level is 129 mg/dL, which falls within the 101-150 mg/dL range on the sliding scale provided.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client's Accucheck reading at 6 AM was 129 mg/dL. Referring to the sliding scale for insulin dosage provided, the correct action by the nurse would be to administer 2 units of Humulin R insulin subcutaneously. This is because the blood glucose (BG) level falls within the range of 101-150 mg/dL on the sliding scale, which corresponds to a dosage of 2 units of Humulin R.

According to the guidelines provided, there is no need to call the healthcare provider for BG levels below 300 mg/dL, nor is it indicated to use NPH insulin or administer D50, which is a form of glucose used to rapidly increase blood sugar levels in cases of hypoglycemia. In this situation, the nurse's action is a direct application of the client's prescribed sliding scale for insulin dosage based on their specific blood glucose readings.