Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement for a client with type 2 diabetes melitus (DM) who is receiving insulin lispro?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Provide meals at the same time this insulin is given: Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of action within 15 minutes. Administering it with meals is critical to prevent severe hypoglycemia, making coordination of food intake with dosing the most important intervention. B. Check blood glucose levels every six hours: Six-hour intervals are appropriate for long-acting insulins, not rapid-acting ones like lispro. More frequent monitoring, particularly around meal times, is needed for safety and effectiveness. C. Keep an oral liquid or glucose source available: Having glucose readily available is an important safety precaution for all clients receiving insulin. However, preventing hypoglycemia by timing meals with insulin administration takes priority over treatment of potential episodes. D. Assess for hypoglycemia between meals: Monitoring for hypoglycemia is always necessary, but it is not the immediate priority. Preventing hypoglycemia by ensuring insulin lispro is paired with food is the safest and most effective intervention.