A nurse is to administer 2 units of Regular human insulin per sliding scale to a patient with Type 2 Diabetes who has a blood glucose of 175mg/dL. Which nursing action is appropriate?

Choice A rationale Regular human insulin is a short-acting insulin with a peak effect typically occurring 2 to 4 hours after administration. A blood glucose of 175 mg/dL is elevated, but the risk of hypoglycemia is greatest at the peak of the insulin's action. The nurse should assess for hypoglycemia at this time to prevent a potentially dangerous drop in blood glucose. Choice B rationale Regular insulin should be administered approximately 30 to 60 minutes before a meal to allow the insulin to begin its effect and to coincide with the postprandial rise in blood glucose. Injecting it just 20 minutes before breakfast may not be sufficient for the insulin to peak in time to effectively manage the blood sugar from the meal. Choice C rationale Regular insulin is typically administered subcutaneously. Intravenous (IV) push administration is reserved for emergency situations, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, under strict hospital protocols, as it can cause a rapid and dangerous drop in blood glucose, leading to severe hypoglycemia. It is not an appropriate routine action for managing a patient with a blood glucose of 175 mg/dL. Choice D rationale Detemir is a long-acting insulin and should never be mixed with other insulins in the same syringe. Mixing insulins can alter their pharmacodynamics, potentially affecting the onset, peak, and duration of each insulin. This could lead to unpredictable blood glucose control and an increased risk of hypoglycemia.