18. A client is due to receive Novolog insulin. When should it be administered?
. 60 minutes before the meal.
. 15 minutes before the meal.
. As soon as the meal is finished.
. Without regard to meals.
Test-Taking Tip
The goal is to prevent hyperglycemia—give before eating. Choose between short (15 minutes) and long (60 minutes) interval. Know the peak effect time for rapid-acting insulin. Choose the shortest time period.
Content Area: Adult Health, Endocrine; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies/Medication Administration
.
Answer 1 is incorrect because, if given 60 minutes before a meal, this rapidly absorbing insulin could cause hypoglycemia before the client begins to eat. Answer 2 is correct because the "log" ending indicates this drug is one of the insulin analogues. Very small changes in the amino acid sequence facilitate rapid absorption of this drug. Answer 3 is incorrect because regular and rapid-acting insulin should be given before meals so that they are active in the blood as sugars are being absorbed from the intestine. Answer 4 is incorrect because regular and rapid-acting insulin should be given before meals so that they are active in the blood as sugars are being absorbed from the intestine.