Antidiabetic Meds Sherpath Exam Questions
and Answers
Regular insulin is administered at 0730. At which time would the nurse anticipate the insulin to start
acting?
0800
Regular insulin's onset of action is within 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Glargine insulin is administered at bedtime (2100). When should the peak of action be expected for
this medication?
Because it is a basal insulin, is considered "peakless."
Glargine has a small plateau but is considered to be "peakless."
A nurse administering neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin would expect peak effect to occur in
which time frame?
6 to 12 hours
NPH Insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin and has its peak effect at 6 to 12 hours.
A nurse is administering glargine insulin to a patient. Which time frame describes the onset of action
of this medication?
1 to 2 hours
Glargine is a long-acting insulin with an onset of action of 1 to 2 hours
After taking metformin at 0800, in which time frame should the patient expect to take another dose?
Within 24 hours
Metformin's duration of action is 24 hours, allowing for one daily dosage.
Which phrase describes the unique action of empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor used for type II
diabetes?
Promotes glucose excretion through the urine
SGLT2 inhibitors like empagliflozin help to eliminate glucose in the urine.
Which action of sulfonylurea drugs lowers the elevated blood glucose levels in patient with type II
diabetes?
Stimulates release of insulin from pancreas
Sulfonylureas act primarily on the release of insulin from the pancreas, which lowers blood glucose
levels.
A nurse is treating an unconscious adult who is covered in sweat. The person has a history of diabetes.
A blood glucose of 20 mg/dL is obtained. Which substance would the nurse administer?
Glucagon injection
Glucagon should be administered to patients who are unconscious or unable to swallow.
A patient with type 1 diabetes has a scheduled dose of insulin due. Which action would the nurse take
when the fingerstick glucose monitor reads 50 mg/dL?
Hold scheduled dose and give fruit juice.
Blood glucose should be 70 mg/dL or above. If a patient with a blood glucose of less than 60 mg/dL
receives insulin, the blood glucose will decrease more. Holding the scheduled dose and giving juice
would be the appropriate intervention.
and Answers
Regular insulin is administered at 0730. At which time would the nurse anticipate the insulin to start
acting?
0800
Regular insulin's onset of action is within 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Glargine insulin is administered at bedtime (2100). When should the peak of action be expected for
this medication?
Because it is a basal insulin, is considered "peakless."
Glargine has a small plateau but is considered to be "peakless."
A nurse administering neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin would expect peak effect to occur in
which time frame?
6 to 12 hours
NPH Insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin and has its peak effect at 6 to 12 hours.
A nurse is administering glargine insulin to a patient. Which time frame describes the onset of action
of this medication?
1 to 2 hours
Glargine is a long-acting insulin with an onset of action of 1 to 2 hours
After taking metformin at 0800, in which time frame should the patient expect to take another dose?
Within 24 hours
Metformin's duration of action is 24 hours, allowing for one daily dosage.
Which phrase describes the unique action of empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor used for type II
diabetes?
Promotes glucose excretion through the urine
SGLT2 inhibitors like empagliflozin help to eliminate glucose in the urine.
Which action of sulfonylurea drugs lowers the elevated blood glucose levels in patient with type II
diabetes?
Stimulates release of insulin from pancreas
Sulfonylureas act primarily on the release of insulin from the pancreas, which lowers blood glucose
levels.
A nurse is treating an unconscious adult who is covered in sweat. The person has a history of diabetes.
A blood glucose of 20 mg/dL is obtained. Which substance would the nurse administer?
Glucagon injection
Glucagon should be administered to patients who are unconscious or unable to swallow.
A patient with type 1 diabetes has a scheduled dose of insulin due. Which action would the nurse take
when the fingerstick glucose monitor reads 50 mg/dL?
Hold scheduled dose and give fruit juice.
Blood glucose should be 70 mg/dL or above. If a patient with a blood glucose of less than 60 mg/dL
receives insulin, the blood glucose will decrease more. Holding the scheduled dose and giving juice
would be the appropriate intervention.
