The nurse is precepting a student nurse on the medical-surgical unit. The student nurse is preparing to administer insulin. Which action by the student nurse calls for immediate intervention?
The student nurse verifies the insulin dose with another nurse.
The student nurse draws up regular insulin to be given intravenously.
The student nurse draws up intermediate-acting (NPH) insulin, and then regular insulin.
The student nurse draws up regular insulin, and then intermediate-acting (NPH) insulin.
Number 3 is correct.
If both regular and intermediate-acting (NPH) insulins are ordered for a client, the regular insulin should be drawn up first to prevent contamination with the intermediate-acting (NPH) insulin. Insulin is a high-alert drug that requires two nurses to verify the dosage. Regular insulin is the only type that may be given intravenously.
