Insulins
This rapid-acting insulin is often given with meals and begins working quickly.
What is lispro (or aspart/glulisine)?
This biguanide is often first-line for type 2 diabetes and decreases liver glucose production.
What is metformin?
Blood glucose below this level is commonly treated as hypoglycemia.
What is less than 70 mg/dL?
This lab reflects average blood glucose control over about 2–3 months.
What is HbA1c?
Patients rotating insulin injections should rotate within the same body area to improve this.
What is consistent absorption?
This short-acting insulin is the only insulin that may be given IV in critical care settings.
What is regular insulin?
These medications, such as glyburide or glipizide, increase insulin release and can cause hypoglycemia.
What are sulfonylureas?
Shaking, sweating, tachycardia, and hunger are classic signs of this condition.
What is hypoglycemia?
Before giving insulin, the nurse should assess this immediate lab value.
What is capillary blood glucose / blood glucose level?
This is the best action when a patient taking insulin plans unusual exercise.
What is monitor blood glucose and adjust food/medication plan as directed to prevent hypoglycemia?
This intermediate-acting insulin is cloudy and often scheduled twice daily.
What is NPH insulin?
This class ends in “-gliptin” and works by increasing incretin effect.
What are DPP-4 inhibitors?
For a conscious patient with low blood sugar, this rule is used: give 15 grams of carbohydrate and recheck in 15 minutes.
What is the 15-15 rule?
Patients taking insulin are especially at risk if this electrolyte becomes low when insulin shifts it into the cells.
What is potassium?
This common side effect should be taught to patients taking sulfonylureas.
What is hypoglycemia?
This long-acting insulin provides basal control and should not be mixed with other insulins.
What is glargine?
This medication class may cause the patient to excrete more glucose in the urine and ends in “-flozin.”
What are SGLT2 inhibitors?
This emergency medication may be given for severe hypoglycemia when the patient cannot swallow.
What is glucagon?
This finding may suggest a patient taking metformin needs closer monitoring or the medication held.
What is impaired renal function / elevated creatinine / low eGFR?
Patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors should report symptoms of this common urinary problem.
What is urinary tract infection or genital yeast infection?
This is the priority action if a nurse prepares insulin and notices the dose seems unusually high compared with the prescribed order.
What is hold the medication and recheck the order/dose with another nurse ?
A major safety concern with metformin is that it may need to be held when this test or situation occurs.
What is contrast dye studies / reduced kidney function / severe illness risk for lactic acidosis?
A nurse should question giving rapid-acting insulin if this important meal-related condition is present.
What is the tray is not present / the patient is not eating / the patient is NPO?
Fruity breath, dehydration, abdominal pain, and ketones may indicate this diabetes emergency.
What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A patient says, “I feel shaky and sweaty.” Before the nurse gives scheduled insulin, the priority action is this.
What is check the blood glucose immediately?