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    Hesi med surg proctored exam (respgitcvs) MCHPS University

    The nurse is teaching a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus about the onset, peak, and duration of a new prescription for glargine insulin. If the insulin is self administered at 2100, when is the client likely to experience hypoglycemia?

    Explanation & Rationale

    Rationale: A. No peak occurs: Insulin glargine is a long-acting basal insulin designed to provide a steady, 24-hour effect without a significant peak. Because it maintains relatively constant levels, the risk of hypoglycemia due to a peak is minimal. B. Shortly after midnight: Hypoglycemia occurring after midnight is more commonly associated with intermediate-acting insulins like NPH, which have a peak several hours after administration. Glargine does not follow this pattern. C. Midmorning: Morning hypoglycemia can occur with short-acting insulins that peak 2–4 hours after injection. Since glargine has no peak, this timing is not consistent with its pharmacological profile. D. Midafternoon: Hypoglycemia in the afternoon is usually linked to scheduled doses of mealtime or intermediate insulins. Glargine maintains stable basal coverage without peak activity, so this effect is unlikely.

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