PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSING PRACTICE,
2025/2026 WITH CORRECT/ACCURATE
ANSWERS
RAPID ACTING INSULIN - CORRECT-ANSWERS--*onset: 15 minutes*
*peak: 30-90 minutes*
*insulin lispro (Humalog)*
insulin aspart (NovoLog)
insulin glulisine (Apidra) >>> Rapid-acting insulin is a type of fast-acting
insulin used to manage blood sugar spikes that occur after eating meals.
It is often referred to as "mealtime" or "bolus" insulin and is typically used
in combination with a longer-acting insulin to provide continuous
background coverage.
SHORT ACTING INSULIN - CORRECT-ANSWERS--*onset: 30-60 minutes*
*peak: 2-4 hours*
regular insulin (Humulin R)
regular insulin (Novolin R) >>> Short-acting insulin, also known as regular
insulin, is a type of insulin used to manage blood sugar levels, particularly
the spikes that occur after meals. It has a slower onset and longer
,duration than rapid-acting insulin, requiring administration well before
eating.
INTERMEDIATE ACTING INSULIN - CORRECT-ANSWERS--*onset: 1-3 hours*
*peak: 8 hours*
NPH insulin (Humulin N)
NPH insulin (Novolin N) >>> Intermediate-acting insulin provides
background (basal) insulin coverage for approximately half a day or
overnight. The most common type is NPH insulin (e.g., Humulin N, Novolin
N).
LONG-ACTING INSULIN - CORRECT-ANSWERS--*onset: 1-2 hours*
*no peak*
*duration: 18-24 hours*
insulin glargine (Lantus)
insulin detemir (Levemir) >>> Long-acting insulin, also known as basal
insulin, is a type of insulin that provides a slow, steady release of insulin
to cover glucose needs between meals and overnight. Unlike other
insulins, it has no distinct peak of action and provides a continuous, low-
level flow of insulin for an extended period.
PRE-MIXED INSULIN - CORRECT-ANSWERS--*onset = 30-60 minutes*
*peak: varies*
,70% NPH/30% Reg
(Humulin 70/30)
70% NPH/30% Reg
(Novolin 70/30)
50% NPH/50% Reg
(Humulin 50/50)
REGULAR INSULIN - CORRECT-ANSWERS--the only insulin that can be
administered via IV route
used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis or diabetic coma
HYPOGLYCEMIA - CORRECT-ANSWERS--occurs when blood glucose is less
than 70 mg/dL
HYPOGLYCEMIA - SIGNS & SYMPTOMS - CORRECT-ANSWERS--*Early Signs*
confusion
irritability
tremor
sweating
*Late Signs*
hypothermia
seizures
BLOOD SUGAR MNEMONIC - CORRECT-ANSWERS--HOT AND DRY = SUGAR
HIGH
, COLD AND CLAMMY = GIVE THEM CANDY
INSULIN - INDICATIONS - CORRECT-ANSWERS--used for glycemic control of
diabetes mellitus (type 1, type 2, gestational)
INSULIN THERAPY FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS - INDICATIONS -
CORRECT-ANSWERS--when oral antidiabetic medications, diet, and
exercise are
unable to control blood glucose levels.
severe renal or liver disease is present.
painful neuropathy is present.
undergoing surgery or diagnostic tests.
experiencing severe stress such as infection
and trauma.
undergoing emergency treatment of diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA) and
hyperosmolar hyperglycemic
nonketotic syndrome
requiring treatment of hyperkalemia.
WHEN MIXING INSULINS - CORRECT-ANSWERS--*clear before cloudy*
1.) inject air into the cloudy vial
2.) inject air into the clear vial