LPN Diabetes Care: Glucose and Insulin 2

Question 1

A patient with type 2 diabetes has a fasting blood glucose of 58 mg/dL and reports feeling shaky and sweating. What is the LPN's priority action?

Accepted Answer

Give 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate and recheck glucose in 15 minutes

Answer

The 15-15 rule—15 g rapid carbohydrate, recheck in 15 minutes—is the standard first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate hypoglycemia in a conscious patient.

Question 2

Insulin glargine (Lantus) is prescribed for a diabetic patient. Which statement about this insulin is correct?

Accepted Answer

It should never be mixed with other insulins in the same syringe

Answer

Glargine is a peakless, long-acting basal insulin whose acidic pH makes it incompatible for mixing with other insulins.

Question 3

Which injection site allows the fastest absorption of subcutaneous insulin?

Accepted Answer

Abdomen

Answer

The abdomen provides the fastest and most consistent insulin absorption due to its rich subcutaneous blood supply.

Question 4

A nurse is teaching a patient how to store an opened vial of regular insulin. Which instruction is correct?

Accepted Answer

Keep it at room temperature for up to 28–30 days

Answer

An opened vial of most insulins can safely remain at room temperature (below 77°F) for up to 28–30 days; freezing destroys insulin.

Question 5

A patient on NPH insulin asks why their glucose tends to drop around 2–4 AM. What is the best explanation?

Accepted Answer

NPH peaks 6–12 hours after injection, coinciding with nighttime if given at dinner

Answer

NPH peaks at 6–12 hours; an evening dose peaks in the early morning hours, which can cause nocturnal hypoglycemia.

LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse Practice Test

LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse Practice Test

LPN Diabetes Care: Glucose and Insulin 2