What it means
In medication orders, NPH names intermediate-acting insulin, regular insulin mixed with the protein protamine so it is absorbed slowly (NPH insulinen-pee-AYCH IN-suh-linAn intermediate-acting, cloudy insulin, usually given once or twice a day.Full entry ); it is the cloudy insulin. In neurology notes, NPH is normal pressure hydrocephalus, extra fluid in the brain's ventricles in older adults that causes walking problems, urinary incontinence and memory loss.
For the nurse
Read NPH in context. For insulin, check the order carefully: all insulin is high-alert.
Related terms
insulin
A hormone made by the pancreas that lets the body's cells take in glucose, also made as a medicine.
hydrocephalus
A buildup of too much cerebrospinal fluid inside the spaces (ventricles) of the brain.
NPH insulin
An intermediate-acting, cloudy insulin, usually given once or twice a day.