skip to main content

Insulin pump failure — SCE Endocrinology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateDiabetesInsulin pump failureSCE Endocrinology

A 50-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes uses an insulin pump. She develops nausea and a glucose of 18 mmol/L; capillary ketones are 3.4 mmol/L. The infusion set is kinked. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Give rapid-acting insulin by pen and replace the infusion set

Pump failure can rapidly cause insulin deficiency and ketosis because no long-acting insulin depot is present. Correction insulin should be given by pen or syringe and the set replaced. Waiting for pump-delivered insulin through a kinked set risks progression to DKA.

Reference: NICE NG17; JBDS DKA Guideline