Insulin & Diabetes
What type of insulin is rapid-acting?
Lispro, Aspart
Normal saline abbreviation?
NS
Maximum IM volume for deltoid?
Deltoid max 1 mL
Digoxin slows ____?
Slows heart rate
Check ____ before giving digoxin.
Apical pulse
Patient BG = 245 mg/dL, sliding scale orders 6 units. Which dose do you give?
Give 6 units per sliding scale
Patient has CHF. Which fluid is safest?
Dextrose-containing fluids carefully or consult provider; avoid
Preferred site for SubQ insulin?
Abdomen or outer thigh
Hold digoxin if HR is ____?
HR < 60 bpm
First action if patient becomes dizzy after meds?
Assess patient, fall precautions, notify provider
When should you hold insulin?
Hold if hypoglycemic or NPO (per provider protocol)
Calculate IV rate: 1000 mL NS over 8 hours.
1000 mL / 8 hr = 125 mL/hr
Patient on heparin, platelets = 85,000. Is IM injection safe?
Not safe → bleeding risk
INR = 5.0. Should you give warfarin?
Hold warfarin, call provider
Give example of a high-risk med error.
Giving med to wrong patient or wrong dose
Patient is NPO; BG = 210 mg/dL. What is your nursing action?
Hold insulin, call provider or follow protocol
Potassium = 2.8 mEq/L. Which action is priority?
Administer potassium per provider, monitor cardiac
Angle for SubQ injection?
45–90° depending on site/needle
Furosemide may cause which electrolyte abnormality?
Hypokalemia
How often should you check vital signs for unstable patient?
Every 15–30 min if unstable
Name one sign of hypoglycemia.
Signs = shakiness, sweating, confusion, palpitations
Name one sign of fluid overload.
Crackles, edema, SOB, JVD
Why rotate SubQ injection sites?
Prevent lipohypertrophy, ensure absorption
Beta-blocker given with HR 48. Correct action?
Hold beta-blocker, notify provider
Name 2 red flags that require calling the provider immediately.
BP < 90/60, HR < 50, SpO2 < 90%, bleeding, severe pain