A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has a long history of diabetes mellitus and is being admitted to the emergency department confused, flushed, and with an acetone odor on the breath. Diabetic ketoacidosis is suspected. The nurse should anticipate using which of the following types of insulin to treat this client?

Choice A reason: Insulin detemir is a long-acting insulin used for basal control. It is not appropriate for acute management of diabetic ketoacidosis because it does not act quickly enough to lower dangerously high blood glucose levels. Choice B reason: NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin. It has a delayed onset and is not suitable for emergency treatment of DKA. It is used for maintenance therapy rather than acute correction. Choice C reason: Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that provides steady basal coverage. Like detemir, it is not appropriate for acute management of DKA because it cannot rapidly reduce blood glucose levels. Choice D reason: Regular insulin is the correct choice for treating diabetic ketoacidosis. It is short-acting and can be administered intravenously, allowing for rapid onset and precise titration. IV regular insulin is the standard of care in DKA management, as it quickly lowers blood glucose and halts ketone production.