A nurse is preparing to administer lispro insulin to a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Assess for hypoglycemia 4 hr after the insulin injection: Lispro insulin is a rapid-acting insulin that peaks in about 1 to 2 hours. Hypoglycemia is most likely to occur during the peak time, so the nurse should assess for hypoglycemia within 1 to 2 hours after administration. B. Administer with short-acting insulin: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin, so it does not need to be combined with short-acting insulin. It can be administered alone, typically just before or after meals to control blood sugar levels during those times. C. Monitor for polyuria: Polyuria is a common symptom of hyperglycemia, not directly related to insulin administration. Instead of monitoring for polyuria, the nurse should focus on managing blood glucose levels to prevent hyperglycemia. D. Inject the insulin 15 min before a meal: Lispro insulin is a rapid-acting insulin, and it should be injected just before a meal, ideally 15 minutes prior. This timing ensures the insulin works when the blood glucose from the meal starts to rise.