A new diabetic is learning to administer his insulin. He receives \(10 \mathrm{U}\) of \(\mathrm{NPH}\) and \(12 \mathrm{U}\) of regular insulin each morning. Which of the following statements reflects understanding of the nurse's teaching? A. "When drawing up my insulin, I should draw up the regular insulin first." B. "When drawing up my insulin, I should draw up the NPH insulin first." C. "It doesn't matter which insulin I draw up first." D. "I cannot mix the insulin, so I will need two shots."

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The patient should draw up regular insulin first in the syringe, followed by NPH insulin.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Insulin Types

NPH insulin (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) is a type of intermediate-acting insulin, while regular insulin is a fast-acting insulin. NPH insulin appears cloudy or milky, and regular insulin is clear. Most of the time, the patient can mix the two types of insulin in a single syringe, but the order of drawing up matters.
02

Option A: Drawing Regular Insulin First

This statement suggests that the patient should draw up regular insulin first. Since regular insulin is clear, drawing it up first helps prevent the potential contamination of regular insulin vial with NPH insulin. Additionally, this method also ensures accurate dosage of both insulins.
03

Option B: Drawing NPH insulin First

This statement suggests that the patient should draw up NPH insulin first. This is not the correct method, as drawing up regular insulin first helps prevent contamination and ensures accurate dosing.
04

Option C: No Preference in Insulin Drawing Order

This statement suggests that it doesn't matter which insulin is drawn up first. This is not correct, as order does matter in order to maintain accurate insulin dosages and prevent contamination between the two types of insulin.
05

Option D: Unable to Mix Insulin Types

This statement suggests that the patient cannot mix the two types of insulin and will need two separate injections. This is not accurate, as NPH and regular insulin can be mixed in one syringe, given that the proper order of drawing up the insulin is followed (drawing up regular insulin first).
06

Correct Statement & Conclusion

The correct statement reflecting the understanding of the nurse's teaching about mixing insulin types is Option A. The patient should draw up regular insulin first in the syringe, followed by NPH insulin. This order prevents contamination and maintains accurate dosages of both types of insulin.

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