Understanding Diabetes and Insulin Flashcards

What is the mechanism of action of rapid-acting insulin analogs such as insulin lispro?

Answer: They mimic the body's mealtime insulin response by acting quickly

Rapid-acting insulins are designed to be taken with meals and quickly peak to handle the rise in blood glucose from food intake.

Basal insulin is intended to do which of the following?

Answer: Provide a continuous low-level of insulin coverage over 24 hours

Basal insulin provides a steady background level of insulin to control blood glucose between meals and overnight.

A resident's order reads: 'Give insulin glargine 20 units subcutaneously at bedtime.' What type of insulin is this?

Answer: Long-acting basal

Insulin glargine (Lantus) is a long-acting insulin analog that provides a relatively flat, peakless insulin level for approximately 24 hours.

NPH insulin is classified as which type of insulin?

Answer: Intermediate-acting

NPH (neutral protamine Hagedorn) is an intermediate-acting insulin with a peak action occurring several hours after injection.

When mixing NPH and regular insulin in the same syringe, what is the correct order of withdrawal?

Answer: Draw regular insulin first, then NPH

The mnemonic 'clear before cloudy' means regular (clear) insulin is drawn first to prevent contaminating the regular insulin vial with NPH.

Which statement about insulin storage is correct?

Answer: Unopened insulin should be refrigerated; in-use vials may be kept at room temperature for up to 28-30 days

Unopened insulin is stored in the refrigerator, while in-use vials are generally stable at room temperature for up to 28-30 days depending on the product.

A QMA notices that an insulin vial that should be clear appears cloudy. What is the appropriate action?

Answer: Do not use the vial and notify the nurse

Insulins that should be clear (such as rapid-acting or long-acting analogs) must never be used if cloudy, as this indicates contamination or degradation.