An external insulin pump is prescribed for a client with diabetes mellitus. When the client asks the nurse about the functioning of the pump, the nurse bases the response on which information about the pump? 1. It is timed to release programmed doses of either short-duration or NPH insulin into the bloodstream at specific intervals. 2. It continuously infuses small amounts of NPH Insulin into the bloodstream while regularly monitoring blood glucose levels. 3. It is surgically attached to the pancreas and infuses regular insulin into the pancreas. This releases insulin into the bloodstream. 4. It administers a small continuous dose of short-duration insulin subcutaneously. The client can self-administer an additional bolus dose from the pump before each meal.

### 4. It administers a small continuous dose of short-duration insulin subcutaneously. The client can self-administer an additional bolus dose from the pump before each meal.

## Step1: Understanding the Function of an Insulin Pump### An external insulin pump is a device used by people with diabetes to administer insulin. It is not surgically attached to the pancreas, nor does it infuse insulin into the pancreas. It does not continuously infuse insulin into the bloodstream, nor does it release insulin at specific intervals.## Step2: Identifying the Correct Function of the Insulin Pump### The correct function of an insulin pump is to administer a small continuous dose of short-duration insulin subcutaneously. This allows for a steady level of insulin in the bloodstream, which helps to maintain a stable blood glucose level.## Step3: Understanding the Additional Function of the Insulin Pump### In addition to the continuous dose, the client can administer an additional bolus dose from the pump before each meal. This allows for flexibility in insulin administration, which can be particularly useful for managing blood glucose levels around meal times.