Which type of insulin would the nurse recognize as compatible with IV solutions when caring for a client with diabetes mellitus who is scheduled to recieve an intravenous (IV) administration of 25 units of insulin in 250 mL normal saline?

• A. NPH insulin
• B. Insulin lispro
• C. Insulin detemir
• D. Insulin glargine

Answer: (B)

IV insulin therapy needs a formulation that dissolves readily in IV fluids and provides a rapid, controllable effect to match the infusion. Long-acting insulins are not suitable for IV use because they act over extended periods, and intermediate-acting insulins are not intended for IV administration due to stability and duration issues.

Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting analog that can be used in IV infusions with normal saline. It acts quickly to lower glucose and has a short duration, which allows the dose to be titrated during the IV administration so tight glucose control can be maintained without prolonged action.

NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin and isn’t appropriate for IV infusion. Detemir and glargine are long-acting insulins designed for basal control over many hours to days, not for IV use.