Insulins
(by onset: rapid → long)How it works
Moves glucose into cells. The onset/peak/duration ladder is the whole game: rapid ~15 min onset; regular ~30 min; NPH peaks 4–12 h; glargine has no real peak.
You'll see
Used for
Side effects
Monitor
- Match the food to the peak: rapid insulin given, tray delayed = hypoglycemia incoming
- NPO patient with insulin ordered? Clarify BEFORE giving
- Only REGULAR insulin goes IV
- Draw clear (regular) before cloudy (NPH) when mixing
- High-alert: two-nurse check per policy
🎓 Patient teaching
Rotate sites within a region. Know YOUR insulin's peak — that's when lows happen. Carry fast sugar. Never skip insulin because you're not eating without calling first.
Source: Lehne's Pharmacology for Nursing Care, 11th ed.; ADA Standards of CareReference only — verify against your facility's policy.
