2 Insulin Safety Free Online FlashCards

What is the usual role of lispro?

Lispro is rapid-acting insulin, often used to cover meals.

An insulin order omits the product or concentration. What should you do?

Pause and verify the exact insulin product and concentration against the order or with the prescriber. Insulin errors can cause serious harm; never make an unverified conversion.

Can an insulin pen be shared after changing its needle?

Never share an insulin pen, even if the needle is changed.

How should initial hypoglycemia be treated when the patient can swallow safely?

For someone alert and able to swallow safely, give 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate and recheck glucose in 15 minutes. Repeat treatment if it remains below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), following facility protocol.

How should insulin be managed for a patient with type 1 diabetes who is NPO?

Verify the individualized plan. Basal insulin is generally still needed for type 1 diabetes, while mealtime insulin and correction dosing may need adjustment; clarify an absent or unclear plan promptly.

When are glucose checks commonly scheduled for inpatients based on food intake?

For a patient who is eating, check glucose before meals. If the patient is not eating, check every 4–6 hours as ordered.

When should subcutaneous basal insulin be given before stopping an intravenous insulin infusion?

Give subcutaneous basal insulin about 2 hours before stopping the infusion, using the prescribed transition protocol.

What should be confirmed to support safe insulin use after discharge?

Reconcile the insulin plan and confirm the patient has the correct products, devices, supplies, instructions, and follow-up. Use teach-back to check understanding of dosing, administration, monitoring, and hypoglycemia response.

How does regular insulin usually differ from rapid-acting insulin in meal timing?

Regular insulin is short-acting and is generally given earlier before a meal than rapid-acting insulin.

What are typical features of NPH insulin?

NPH is intermediate-acting, usually cloudy, and has a noticeable peak.

What is the usual role and action profile of glargine?

Glargine is long-acting basal insulin and generally has no pronounced peak.

What should you do if a person with hypoglycemia cannot swallow safely?

Do not give oral food or drink if the person cannot swallow safely. Use the facility’s urgent hypoglycemia protocol, such as glucagon or intravenous glucose as appropriate.