For a client's 0730 dose of lispro insulin, when should the nurse ensure the meal tray is available?

The administration of lispro insulin, a rapid-acting insulin, is critical in managing blood glucose levels, especially for clients with diabetes. Lispro begins to act within about 15 minutes after injection, reaches peak activity at approximately 30 to 90 minutes, and has a duration of about 3 to 5 hours.

To effectively utilize lispro insulin, it is essential that the meal is available at the same time or shortly after the injection. Therefore, having the meal tray ready at the time of the insulin injection, which is at 0730, ensures that the client can eat and take in carbohydrates to counteract the insulin's action. This timing helps prevent hypoglycemia, which can occur if the insulin is administered without an immediate meal, as the body would be prompted to lower blood glucose levels without a source of glucose from food.

By being present at the time of injection, the meal aligns perfectly with the onset of the insulin's effects, providing the necessary nutrients to balance the insulin's action and maintain stable blood sugar levels.