Question

The nurse on an inpatient hospital unit is preparing to administer insulin aspart per sliding scale to a client whose most recent blood glucose level is 180 mg/dL. Which is the best time in relation to eating to give the insulin?

Administer the insulin right before the client is about to start eating Correct Answer (Blank)
B
Administer the insulin immediately after checking the blood glucose level
C
Administer the insulin at any time before or after the meal
D
Administer the insulin 2 hours after the client has finished eating the meal

Answer 1

Administer insulin aspart per sliding scale right before the client eats to help control blood glucose levels effectively, since it's a rapid-acting insulin and its timing should coincide with food intake.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best time to administer insulin aspart per sliding scale for a client with a blood glucose level of 180 mg/dL is right before the client starts eating. Insulin aspart is a rapid-acting insulin, and giving it just before a meal allows the insulin to work at the same time the blood glucose levels start to rise due to food intake. This helps in mimicking the natural release of insulin in response to a meal, providing better control of blood glucose levels.

According to an insulin tolerance test, insulin helps in the uptake of glucose by the cells. After a meal, especially one that is rich in carbohydrates, blood glucose levels rise. The administration of insulin before the meal helps in the appropriate storage and use of this glucose, thereby preventing a sharp rise in blood glucose levels post-consumption, as indicated by Graph-B for diabetes mellitus patients.

Therefore, administering insulin shortly before a meal is the most effective strategy for managing blood glucose levels in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients.