Insulin Nursing Considerations, Side Effects, and Mechanism of Action Pharmacology for Nurses

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Insulin- intermediate acting

Generic Name: NPH

Trade Name: Humulin N, Novolin N

Indication: hyperglycemia with diabetes type 1 and 2, diabetic ketoacidosis

Action: stimulates uptake of glucose into muscle and fat cells, inhibits production of glucose in the liver, prevents breakdown of fat and protein

Therapeutic Class: antidiabetics, hormones

Pharmacologic Class: pancreatics

Nursing Considerations
 assess for symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia
 monitor body weight over time
 may cause decreased inorganic phosphates, potassium, and magnesium
 monitor blood sugars every 6 hours, monitor A1C every 3-6 months