Diabetes Mellitus Q 45

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Dr. Wijangco orders insulin lispro (Humalog) 10 units for Alicia, a client with diabetes mellitus. When will the nurse administer this medication?

  

    A. When the client is eating

    B. Thirty minutes before meals

    C. Fifteen minutes before meals

    D. When the meal trays arrive on the floor

    

    

Correct Answer: A. When the client is eating

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The onset action for the insulin lispro (Humalog) is 10 to 15 minutes so it must be given when the client is eating to prevent hypoglycemia. Insulin lispro is a new type of insulin. It starts working sooner than other insulin types. It also reaches peak activity faster and goes away sooner.

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Option B: If taking Regular insulin or longer-acting insulin, the client should generally take it 15 to 30 minutes before a meal. Short-acting, such as Regular (R) insulin, starts working within 30 minutes and lasts about 5 to 8 hours.

Option C: Each type of insulin works at a different speed and lasts for a different length of time. Quick-acting, such as insulin lispro (Humalog), begins to work very quickly (5 to 15 minutes) and lasts for 3 to 4 hours.

Option D: It must be given when the client is eating, not when the meal trays arrive on the floor. Rapid-acting insulin analogs should be injected within 15 min before a meal or immediately after a meal. The most commonly recommended interval between injection of short-acting (regular) insulin and a meal is 30 min.

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