What should the nurse monitor in a patient receiving long-acting insulin like Glargine?

Monitoring the patient’s blood sugar after meals is crucial for individuals receiving long-acting insulin such as Glargine. This type of insulin provides a steady release of insulin over an extended period, typically covering a 24-hour cycle. While Glargine is designed to maintain baseline insulin levels, blood glucose levels can still fluctuate due to various factors, including dietary intake and physical activity.

By regularly checking the blood sugar after meals, the nurse can assess the effectiveness of the insulin regimen and make necessary adjustments to dosing or meal planning. This practice helps in achieving optimal glycemic control and prevents complications associated with both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

In contrast, monitoring kidney function is typically more relevant for patients on medications that directly affect renal status. The time of insulin administration is important but is less of a monitoring focus compared to actual blood glucose levels after meals, as the timing is standardized based on the patient’s regimen. Skin integrity is also important for patients with diabetes; however, it does not specifically address the immediate effectiveness of long-acting insulin therapy. Thus, monitoring blood sugar after meals remains the priority for evaluating the patient's response to long-acting insulin.