NCLEX Question of the Day
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies QID 1228
A nurse is preparing to administer insulin lispro subcutaneously to a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus before breakfast. When should the nurse ensure the client's breakfast tray will be available?
Explanation
Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of action typically within 15 minutes. Its peak effect occurs around 30-90 minutes, and its duration is 3-5 hours. To prevent hypoglycemia, it should be administered when food is readily available, usually within 15 minutes before or immediately after a meal. Ensuring the breakfast tray is available within 15 minutes aligns with the rapid onset of action.
Waiting 30-60 minutes or 1-2 hours would delay food intake beyond the onset of insulin action, significantly increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. While administration immediately *after* eating is sometimes done, administering it up to 15 minutes *before* eating is standard practice to coincide with postprandial glucose rise.
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