When teaching a client to mix regular and NPH insulin, which is the correct instruction?

When mixing regular and NPH insulin, the appropriate procedure involves drawing the regular insulin into the syringe first. This practice is important for maintaining the integrity of the regular insulin, as it is a clear solution, while NPH insulin is a cloudy suspension.

By drawing up regular insulin first, you reduce the risk of contaminating the clear regular insulin with the cloudy NPH insulin. Once the regular insulin is drawn into the syringe, you can then draw the appropriate dose of NPH insulin. This method ensures effective management of insulin dose and helps avoid any unintended error in administration.

The recommended approach is critical in avoiding cross-contamination and ensuring accurate dosing, which is vital for effective diabetes management. Following this technique promotes safety and efficacy in insulin administration for clients requiring both types of insulin.