Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetes and a new prescription for 14 units of regular insulin and 28 units of NPH insulin subcutaneously at breakfast daily. What is the total number of units of insulin that the nurse should prepare in the insulin syringe?

Answer 1

42
14 units of regular insulin + 28 units of NPH insulin equals 42.
just add 14 and 28

Answer 2

The nurse should prepare a total of 42 units of insulin in the syringe.

The calculation is as follows:

14 units of regular insulin + 28 units of NPH insulin = 42 units total

The nurse will mix these two types of insulin in the same syringe, following the proper procedure for drawing up and administering mixed insulin doses. The regular (short-acting) insulin should be drawn up into the syringe first, followed by the NPH (intermediate-acting) insulin to prevent contamination of the regular insulin vial with NPH insulin. This is because regular insulin can be given intravenously, but NPH insulin cannot. If contamination were to occur, it could potentially create issues if that regular insulin were later used for an IV.