Question

The nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for an insulin sliding scale to manage the client's hyperglycemia. At 11 am, the client's blood glucose level was 285 mg/dL. According to the following sliding scale parameters, how many units of insulin should the nurse administer?

(For glucose less than 140, give 0 units of insulin aspart.

For glucose between 140 to 180, give 2 units of insulin aspart.

For glucose between 181 to 220, give 4 units of insulin aspart.

For glucose between 221 to 260, give 6 units of insulin aspart.

For glucose between 261 to 300, give 8 units of insulin aspart.

For glucose greater than 300, notify the health care provider.)

2 units

4 units

6 units

8 units

Answer 1

The nurse should give 8 units of insulin aspart for a blood glucose level of 285 mg/dL according to the sliding scale, which helps manage hyperglycemia in diabetics.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should administer 8 units of insulin aspart to a client whose blood glucose level is 285 mg/dL, as per the prescribed sliding scale parameters. The scale indicates that for a glucose level between 261 and 300 mg/dL, the correct dosage is 8 units. Maintaining blood glucose levels within a normal range is crucial for health, as high levels indicate hyperglycemia, which is managed by administering insulin.

Conversely, if blood glucose levels are too low, a condition known as hypoglycemia occurs, which can be managed by administrating glucagon. This sliding scale insulin dosing is part of managing diabetes mellitus and ensuring that levels do not reach a point where glucosuria occurs, meaning glucose is excreted in the urine.