Human Regular Insulin Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the therapeutic classification of Humulin R?

Pancreatic hormone (correct)

Short-acting insulin

Anti-biabetic drug (correct)

Long-acting insulin

What is the pharmacological classification of Humulin R?

Short-acting hypoglycemia drug

Which of the following are indications for the use of Humulin R? (Select all that apply)

Control of hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes (correct)

For the treatment of heart disease

For gestational diabetes (correct)

Emergency treatment of DKA (correct)

How does Humulin R lower blood glucose levels?

Stimulating glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and fat, inhibiting hepatic glucose production Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary metabolism source for Humulin R?

Hepatic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are common adverse effects of Humulin R? (Select all that apply)

Anaphylaxis Signup and view all the answers

What are some contraindications for using Humulin R? (Select all that apply)

Renal impairment or failure Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored in patients receiving Humulin R therapy?

Blood glucose levels every 6 hours Signup and view all the answers

Humulin R should be administered immediately before meals.

True Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drugs may interact with Humulin R? (Select all that apply)

ACE inhibitors Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Regular Insulin (Humulin R, Novolin R)

Therapeutic Classification: Classified as an anti-diabetic drug and a pancreatic hormone.
Pharmacological Classification: Identified as a short-acting hypoglycemic drug.

Therapeutic Indications and Uses

Utilized to control hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus patients.
Effective for emergency treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyper-osmolar hyper-glycemic states.
Prescribed for gestational diabetes management.
Often combined with intermediate or long-acting insulin to ensure 24-hour glucose control.

Mechanism of Action

Lowers blood glucose levels by:
- Stimulating glucose uptake in skeletal muscles and fat.
- Inhibiting glucose production in the liver.
Additional effects include:
- Inhibition of lipolysis and proteolysis.
- Enhanced protein synthesis.

Pharmacokinetics

Metabolized primarily in the liver.
Excreted through liver and kidneys.

Adverse Effects

Endocrine: Risk of hypoglycemia.
Electrolyte disturbances: Hypokalemia.
Local reactions: Lipodystrophy, pruritus, erythema, and swelling.
General: Potential for allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Contraindications and Precautions

Contraindications:
- Allergy to beef or pork insulins due to hypersensitivity to animal proteins.
- Risk of exacerbating hypoglycemia.
Precautions:
- Use with caution in pregnancy, renal impairment, fever, thyroid disease, and in elderly or pediatric populations.

Drug Interactions

Caution advised when used with drugs that may induce hypoglycemia, including:
- Alcohol, ACE inhibitors, MAO inhibitors, octreotide, oral hypoglycemic agents, and salicylates.
ACE inhibitors can increase insulin sensitivity and enhance its hypoglycemic effects.
Beta blockers, clonidine, and reserpine may mask signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Nursing Considerations & Patient Teaching

Regular assessment for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia symptoms is crucial.
Lab Test Monitoring:
- Blood glucose levels should be monitored every 6 hours during therapy, more frequently during ketoacidosis or stress.
- A1C levels may be evaluated every 3-6 months to assess treatment effectiveness.
- Monitor serum potassium levels in patients at risk for hypokalemia, especially those using potassium-lowering agents or receiving IV insulin.
Administration routes: Can be given subcutaneously (SC) or intravenously (IV). For SC, administer 15-30 minutes before meals for optimal effect.

Description

Test your knowledge about Human Regular Insulin (Humulin R, Novolin R) with this set of flashcards. This quiz covers therapeutic and pharmacological classifications, as well as clinical indications and uses for diabetes management. Perfect for students or healthcare professionals looking to review key concepts.