Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

What is the primary objective of transitioning a patient from IV insulin to subcutaneous injections?

1. To provide a constant blood glucose level

2. To prepare the patient for hospital discharge

3. To reduce hospital costs

4. To improve patient comfort

The correct answer is: To prepare the patient for hospital discharge

The primary objective of transitioning a patient from IV insulin to subcutaneous injections is to prepare the patient for hospital discharge. This transition is a critical step in managing a patient’s diabetes as they prepare to leave the controlled environment of the hospital. When a patient is receiving IV insulin, it is typically in a setting where close monitoring and rapid adjustments are necessary, often due to acute conditions or post-operative recovery. As a patient stabilizes and their blood glucose levels become more manageable, switching to subcutaneous injections indicates that they can self-manage their diabetes with less intensive monitoring required. This step is essential for preparing the patient for life outside the hospital, where they will need to utilize self-administered insulin effectively. While maintaining a constant blood glucose level, reducing hospital costs, and improving patient comfort are important aspects of diabetes management, the key focus during this transition is to ensure the patient is ready and capable of managing their diabetes independently after discharge. Thus, the transition reflects a readiness for discharge rather than solely focusing on the technical aspects of blood glucose management or cost implications.