Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) Practice Exam

Choosing to inject Novolin (which is an intermediate-acting insulin) followed by regular insulin (a short-acting insulin) is appropriate in this context because it aligns with the common practice of mixing insulins. When administering mixed insulin injections, the correct sequence is to draw up the shorter-acting insulin first to prevent contamination of the regular insulin vial with longer-acting insulin.

The rationale for this sequence also comes from the importance of ensuring that the rapid-acting effects of regular insulin can begin to work effectively once injected. Novolin takes longer to act compared to regular insulin and can help maintain blood sugar levels over an extended period following the immediate action of the regular insulin. Thus, this method supports better blood glucose control.

In clinical settings, this practice also ensures that the specific properties of each type of insulin are respected, providing patients with effective management of their insulin needs while minimizing the risk of potential adverse events related to improper sequencing of insulin draws and injections.