A nurse is preparing to administer a client’s daily dose of NPH insulin at 0730.
The nurse should expect this type of insulin to peak within which of the following timeframes after administration?
A.
30 minutes to 3 hours.
B.
2 to 6 hours.
C.
4 to 5 hours.
D.
6 to 10 hours.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. 2 to 6 hours.
Explanation:
NPH insulin (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) is an intermediate-acting insulin commonly used to manage blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes. Understanding its pharmacokinetics is crucial for effective management and timing of insulin administration.
NPH insulin is characterized by its intermediate duration of action, typically beginning to act within 1 to 2 hours after administration. However, its peak effect, which is when the insulin’s glucose-lowering action is at its most potent, occurs within a specific timeframe. For NPH insulin, the peak action generally happens between 2 to 6 hours after administration. This timeframe is critical for preventing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and ensuring adequate glycemic control throughout the day.
The pharmacokinetic profile of NPH insulin is influenced by its formulation. NPH insulin is formulated with protamine, which slows the absorption of insulin into the bloodstream, extending its duration of action compared to short-acting insulins. This delayed absorption results in a gradual onset and peak effect. The peak period of 2 to 6 hours allows healthcare providers to anticipate when a client might be at higher risk for hypoglycemia and to plan accordingly.
In contrast, short-acting insulins like regular insulin peak within 2 to 3 hours, while long-acting insulins like glargine or detemir have a more stable effect with little to no pronounced peak, maintaining a steady blood glucose level over an extended period. Understanding these differences is essential for optimizing insulin therapy and managing diabetes effectively.
Therefore, when administering NPH insulin at 0730, the nurse should anticipate the peak effect to occur between 0930 and 1330, fitting within the 2 to 6 hours timeframe. This knowledge helps in monitoring the client’s blood glucose levels and adjusting meal times and snack intervals to prevent hypoglycemic episodes.