Which insulin is rapid-acting and should be given so the patient can eat soon after administration?

Which insulin is rapid-acting and should be given so the patient can eat soon after administration?

• A. NPH
• B. Regular
• C. Lispro
• D. Glargine

Answer: (C)

This question tests how insulin types align with mealtime needs by their onset and duration. Rapid-acting insulin starts quickly, typically within minutes, and covers the rise in blood sugar after a meal, so it’s given right before eating. Lispro is a rapid-acting option that begins working in about 15 minutes, peaks a short time after, and lasts a few hours, making it ideal for administering so the patient can eat soon after. The other options don’t fit this mealtime coverage: NPH is intermediate-acting and takes longer to start and peak; Regular is short-acting but slower to act than rapid-acting and usually given earlier before meals; Glargine is long-acting with a steady effect and is not used to cover meals. So lispro is the best choice for mealtime coverage.

This question tests how insulin types align with mealtime needs by their onset and duration. Rapid-acting insulin starts quickly, typically within minutes, and covers the rise in blood sugar after a meal, so it’s given right before eating. Lispro is a rapid-acting option that begins working in about 15 minutes, peaks a short time after, and lasts a few hours, making it ideal for administering so the patient can eat soon after. The other options don’t fit this mealtime coverage: NPH is intermediate-acting and takes longer to start and peak; Regular is short-acting but slower to act than rapid-acting and usually given earlier before meals; Glargine is long-acting with a steady effect and is not used to cover meals. So lispro is the best choice for mealtime coverage.