Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies Q 12

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Nurse Trinity administered neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin to a diabetic client at 7 a.m. At what time would the nurse expect the client to be most at risk for a hypoglycemic reaction?

  

     A. 10:00 am

     B. Noon

     C. 4:00 pm

     D. 10:00 pm

    

    

Correct Answer: C. 4:00 pm

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NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin that peaks 8 to 12 hours after administration. Because the nurse administered NPH insulin at 7 a.m., the client is at greatest risk for hypoglycemia from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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Option A: At 10:00 am, the insulin given would not have reached its peak.

Option B: During noontime, risk for hypoglycemia would still be low.

Option D: 10:00 pm is already a late time for the peak action of insulin.

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