Endocrine Drugs and Medications Q 22

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Nurse Casey is studying insulin administration. She should be knowledgeable that regular insulin:

  

     A. Is slow acting

     B. Is used IV

     C. Is a suspended insulin

     D. Peaks in 6 to 12 hours

    

    

Correct Answer: B. Is used IV

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Regular insulin is the only insulin preparation that can be administered IV. 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.

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Option A: Regular insulin is rapid-acting. In patients with DM (mainly type 1 but also can be in type 2) and on an insulin regimen, blood glucose should be monitored between meals to prevent hypoglycemia. Additionally, weight measurements are necessary due to insulin-associated weight gain. Insulin regular onset of effect is 1 hour.

Option C: It is a crystalline zinc preparation. 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.

Option D: It peaks in 2 to 4 hours. Insulin regular onset of effect is 1 hour, peaks at 2 to 4 hours, and the duration of the effect lasts 4-hours.

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