A nurse is caring for a client with diabetes mellitus who is prescribed regular insulin via a sliding scale. After administering the correct dose at 0715, the nurse should ensure the client receives breakfast at which of the following times?

Rationale: A. 0815: Giving breakfast an hour after administering regular insulin increases the risk of hypoglycemia because the insulin’s onset of action typically begins within 30 minutes. Delaying food until this time would not align well with the medication’s activity. B. 0730: Regular insulin begins to lower blood glucose about 30 minutes after injection. Providing breakfast at this time ensures food is available to balance the insulin’s effect, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia while supporting glucose control. C. 0720: Offering breakfast only five minutes after insulin administration does not match the insulin’s onset. The client would not yet need the glucose intake, and it could lead to a mismatch between peak insulin action and nutrient absorption. D. 0745: Serving breakfast 30 minutes after insulin administration comes slightly late, as insulin action may already be beginning. This could still put the client at risk of mild hypoglycemia before the meal is absorbed.