In the management of regular and NPH insulin, which statement indicates the need for further teaching?

Using the sliding scale to determine the NPH dose four times a day indicates a misunderstanding of how NPH insulin should be managed. NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin, which typically provides coverage for a longer duration than rapid-acting or regular insulin. It is used to control blood glucose levels between meals and overnight, rather than being adjusted based solely on current blood glucose readings multiple times throughout the day as rapid-acting insulin would be.

In practice, NPH insulin usually has a fixed dosing schedule, and patients are instructed to take it at specific times (often in the morning and evening) rather than adjusting it based on sliding scale calculations at frequent intervals throughout the day. The sliding scale is generally more applicable to short-acting insulin used at meal times, allowing for adjustments based on pre-meal blood glucose readings. By misunderstanding the application of the sliding scale to NPH dosing, the individual demonstrates a need for further education regarding proper insulin management.