How should the nurse prepare an injection for a patient who takes both regular and NPH insulin?
A. Draw up the NPH insulin, then the regular insulin, in the same syringe.
B. Draw up the regular insulin, then the NPH insulin, in the same syringe.
C. Use two separate syringes.
D. Check with the physician.
Correct Answer: B. Draw up the regular insulin, then the NPH insulin, in the same syringe.
Drugs that are compatible may be mixed together in one syringe. In the case of insulin, the shorter-acting, clear insulin (regular) should be drawn up before the longer-acting, cloudy insulin (NPH) to ensure accurate measurements.
Option A: Insulin, regular when administered subcutaneously, it should be injected 30 to 40 minutes before each meal. Avoid cold injections. The injection is in the buttocks, thighs, arms, or abdomen; it is necessary to rotate injection sites to avoid lipodystrophy. Do not inject if the solution is viscous or cloudy; use only if clear and colorless.
Option C: When administered intravenously, U-100 administration should be with close monitoring of serum potassium and blood glucose. Do not use if the solution is viscous or cloudy; administration should only take place if it is colorless and clear.
Option D: For intravenous infusions, to minimize insulin adsorption to plastic IV tubing, flush the intravenous tube with priming infusion of 20 mL from a 100 mL-polyvinyl chloride bag insulin, every time a new intravenous tubing is added to the insulin infusion container.