ATI Content Mastery Fundamentals Practice Exam

When mixing two types of insulin, it is essential to follow the correct order to prevent contamination and ensure proper dosing. The correct type of insulin to draw into the syringe first is the intermediate-acting insulin.

The rationale behind this practice is based on the principles of mixing insulins safely. By drawing the intermediate-acting insulin first, you mitigate the risk of accidentally introducing long-acting or rapid-acting insulin into the vial of intermediate insulin. This is crucial because if the rapid or long-acting insulin were drawn first, it could contaminate the intermediate vial, which might lead to incorrect dosages or unintended effects when those vials are reused.

Choosing to draw the intermediate-acting insulin first preserves the integrity of each insulin type and adheres to the guidelines for mixing insulins. It ensures that patients receive their medications in the correct proportions for effective management of their blood sugar levels.