A patient is to receive 15 units of NPH insulin and 20 units of regular insulin in the same syringe.In what order does the nurse perform the steps to prepare this injection?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

NPH insulin and regular insulin are compatible and can be given in the same syringe.NPH insulin already contains some regular insulin but regular insulin contains no NPH insulin.Insulin is a high-alert drug and the insulin types and concentrations must be carefully checked to prevent a medication error.The tops of both vials are cleaned separately to reduce contamination with microorganisms.The amount of air injected into each vial is equal to the amount of drug to be withdrawn from the vial.Always inject the air into the intermediate-acting insulin bottle first,then inject the correct air volume into the regular insulin vial.To prevent contaminating the regular insulin,it is drawn up first after air has been injected into both vials.Drawing up the regular insulin right after injecting air into the regular insulin vial reduces the number of times the vial is penetrated.Checking for air bubbles and eliminating them before drawing up the next insulin helps ensure an accurate dose.Drawing up the NPH insulin second prevents the accidental contamination of regular insulin with NPH insulin.Checking that the volume of insulin matches the volume of each insulin added together helps ensure an accurate dose."

A Patient Is to Receive 15 Units of NPH Insulin