When is a client at highest risk for experiencing an insulin-related hypoglycemic reaction after receiving regular insulin at 11:30 AM?

Study for the UWorld Pharmacology Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The client is at the highest risk for experiencing an insulin-related hypoglycemic reaction after receiving regular insulin at 11:30 AM primarily due to the pharmacokinetics of regular insulin. Regular insulin is a short-acting insulin, with an onset of action typically occurring within 30 minutes after administration, a peak effect around 2 to 4 hours, and a duration of action of about 6 to 8 hours.

Given this information, the time frame for peak efficacy—a time when blood glucose levels may drop significantly—aligns with the 2:00 PM mark. At that time, the insulin would be at its peak, increasing the likelihood of hypoglycemia as the insulin continues to lower blood glucose levels while food intake may not be sufficient to match the effects of the administered insulin.

In contrast, the other time frames (12:30 PM, 5:00 PM, and 6:00 PM) either fall outside the peak effect of insulin or do not correlate with the timeline of insulin action. By 12:30 PM, while there might be some effect, it is not yet at its peak. By 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, the insulin would be tapering off, reducing

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy