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?

Choice A reason: Giving breakfast at 0745 would delay food intake too long after regular insulin administration. Regular insulin begins to act within 30 minutes, so waiting until 0745 (30 minutes later) risks hypoglycemia before the client eats. Choice B reason: 0815 is far too late for breakfast after insulin administration. Regular insulin peaks between 2–4 hours, but its onset is within 30 minutes. Waiting an hour after administration would leave the client vulnerable to hypoglycemia due to insulin activity without glucose intake. Choice C reason: 0720 is too soon after insulin administration. At 5 minutes post-injection, the insulin has not yet begun to act. Food intake this early would not align with the insulin’s onset, and glucose absorption may occur before insulin activity begins, reducing therapeutic effectiveness. Choice D reason: 0730 is the correct time. Regular insulin begins to act approximately 30 minutes after administration. Providing breakfast at 0730 ensures that glucose from the meal is available as insulin activity begins, preventing hypoglycemia and optimizing blood glucose control.