Diabetes Education Certification Insulin Therapy & Administration 2

Question 1

A patient using an insulin pen reports that the dose dial shows 20 units but the pen only delivered part of the dose before running out of insulin. What is the most likely explanation?

Accepted Answer

The remaining insulin in the cartridge was less than the dialed dose

Answer

If the cartridge contains less insulin than the dialed dose, the pen will deliver only the remaining units, resulting in an incomplete dose.

Question 2

Which insulin type has the longest duration of action and is most commonly used as basal coverage?

Accepted Answer

Insulin glargine (Lantus)

Answer

Insulin glargine is a long-acting analog with a relatively peakless, 24-hour duration, making it ideal for basal coverage.

Question 3

A patient with type 1 diabetes is sick with vomiting and unable to eat. How should the diabetes care team advise regarding basal insulin?

Accepted Answer

Continue basal insulin and monitor blood glucose frequently

Answer

Basal insulin should be continued during illness because the body still requires background insulin to prevent ketoacidosis, even without carbohydrate intake.

Question 4

When rotating insulin injection sites, which anatomical region has the fastest absorption rate?

Accepted Answer

Abdomen

Answer

The abdomen has the fastest and most consistent insulin absorption due to its rich blood supply and minimal muscle interference.

Question 5

A patient asks why their physician prescribed insulin degludec (Tresiba) instead of insulin glargine. What is a key pharmacokinetic advantage of degludec?

Accepted Answer

Ultra-long duration up to 42 hours with a more stable PK profile

Answer

Insulin degludec has an ultra-long half-life providing up to 42 hours of coverage, which allows for more flexible dosing timing.

Diabetes Practice Test

Diabetes Practice Test

Diabetes Education Certification Insulin Therapy & Administration 2