Edgar injects seven units of regular insulin at 1600 hours. When should the practical nurse caution him to be alert for a possible hypoglycemic episode?

Edgar injects seven units of regular insulin at 1600 hours. When should the practical nurse caution him to be alert for a possible hypoglycemic episode?

• A. 1830 hours
• B. 2030 hours
• C. 2230 hours
• D. 2400 hours

Answer: (A)

Regular insulin is short-acting and carries the highest risk of hypoglycemia during its peak effect. It starts working within about 30–60 minutes, peaks around 2–4 hours after injection, and lasts roughly 5–7 hours. With an injection at 1600 hours, the peak window is roughly 1800–2000 hours. Cautioning Edgar to be alert for hypoglycemia around 1830 hours targets the time when insulin effect is strongest and the chance of a glucose drop is greatest. The later times fall outside the peak window, where the risk is lower, even though hypoglycemia can occur at other times as well. Be watchful for symptoms such as sweating, tremors, confusion, or pallor, and ensure quick-acting carbohydrates are available if needed.

Regular insulin is short-acting and carries the highest risk of hypoglycemia during its peak effect. It starts working within about 30–60 minutes, peaks around 2–4 hours after injection, and lasts roughly 5–7 hours. With an injection at 1600 hours, the peak window is roughly 1800–2000 hours. Cautioning Edgar to be alert for hypoglycemia around 1830 hours targets the time when insulin effect is strongest and the chance of a glucose drop is greatest. The later times fall outside the peak window, where the risk is lower, even though hypoglycemia can occur at other times as well. Be watchful for symptoms such as sweating, tremors, confusion, or pallor, and ensure quick-acting carbohydrates are available if needed.