Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) Practice Exam

During ketoacidotic events, the primary goal is to rapidly reduce blood glucose levels and correct metabolic acidosis. Regular insulin is specifically designed for this purpose due to its onset of action, which occurs within 30 minutes, and its peak effect occurring around 2-3 hours after administration. This allows for a swift response to the high blood sugar levels typically seen in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Regular insulin acts quickly to lower the blood glucose levels, making it an essential choice in emergency settings where immediate intervention is necessary. It can be administered intravenously, providing a more controlled and immediate response compared to other forms of insulin, which have longer onset times. Other types of insulin, such as long-acting or intermediate insulin, do not act quickly enough to manage the acute situation effectively, and rapid-acting insulin, while faster than long-acting and intermediate insulin, may not provide the sustained effect needed during the critical management of DKA.