Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

In a hospital setting, what is an essential consideration before transitioning a patient from IV to subcutaneous insulin?

1. Patient's pain management

2. Patient's nutritional status

3. Patient's activity level

4. Patient's emotional state

The correct answer is: Patient's nutritional status

The correct choice, focusing on the patient's nutritional status, is essential because transitioning a patient from intravenous (IV) to subcutaneous insulin requires careful consideration of the patient's ability to eat and digest food normally. Subcutaneous insulin administration is closely tied to carbohydrate intake, as the insulin must match the meal consumption to effectively manage blood glucose levels. If a patient has an inadequate nutritional status—whether due to factors like malnutrition, gastrointestinal complications, or a lack of appetite—they may not be able to sustain appropriate carbohydrate intake which could lead to hypoglycemia or poor glycemic control after the transition. In contrast, factors such as pain management, activity level, and emotional state, while significant for overall patient care, do not directly impact the effectiveness and safety of transitioning to subcutaneous insulin in the same way that nutritional status does. Therefore, assessing and ensuring that the patient's nutritional needs are met is a priority when making this medication transition.