Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) Practice Exam

The insulin characterized by an onset of 10-20 minutes and a peak effect of 1-3 hours is Novolog, which is a rapid-acting insulin. This type of insulin is designed to start working quickly to help manage blood glucose levels, especially in relation to meals. The rapid onset is particularly beneficial for controlling postprandial (after meal) blood sugar spikes, making it a critical component of diabetes management.

In contrast, Lantus is a long-acting insulin with no pronounced peak, primarily providing baseline insulin coverage over a 24-hour period. NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin with a longer onset and peak time compared to rapid-acting insulins like Novolog. Regular insulin has an onset of approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour and a peak effect of 2-4 hours, which is slower than the rapid-acting insulins. This specificity of Novolog's action makes it suitable for immediate blood sugar control following meals, distinguishing it from the other types of insulin mentioned.