When caring for the patient with type 1 diabetes, the nurse includes which of the following in the plan of care?

Question

1. Administer insulin lispro or aspart immediately prior to the meal.
2. Administer oral hypoglycemic medications ½ hour prior to meals.
3. Observe for hypoglycemia approximately ½ to 1 hour after injecting NPH insulin.
4. Avoid insulin if the patient reports an allergy to sulfa drugs.

Answer 1

Administer insulin lispro or aspart immediately prior to the meal.

Rationale: Insulin lispro and aspart are rapid-acting insulins; the meal should be prepared prior to injecting the insulin. Oral hypoglycemics are not used in the care of type 1 diabetics. The peak action of NPH, an intermediate-acting insulin, is 4 to 10 hours; the peak action of insulin is when hypoglycemia is most likely to occur. Sulfonylurea oral agents may cause cross sensitivity and hypersensitivity in people with sulfa allergy.