Insulins

Medication class detail with safety cues and nursing action focus.

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Endocrineneeds review

Insulins

Examples: lispro, regular insulin, NPH, glargine

Mechanism

Moves glucose from blood into cells; also shifts potassium into cells when used with dextrose for hyperkalemia.

Used for

  • Diabetes mellitus
  • DKA/HHS protocols
  • Hyperkalemia shift therapy with glucose

Side effects

  • Hypoglycemia
  • Hypokalemia during IV therapy
  • Weight gain

Nursing actions

  • Check glucose and meal status before rapid-acting insulin.
  • Monitor potassium during DKA treatment and IV insulin protocols.
  • Teach hypoglycemia recognition and treatment.

Hold / question cues

  • Low glucose
  • Meal unavailable for rapid-acting dose
  • Potassium too low for insulin infusion per protocol

Antidote / reversal

  • glucose
  • glucagon when appropriate

NCLEX pearl

  • Insulin lowers sugar and can lower serum K by shifting it into cells.