Which of the following is a sign of impending insulin pump failure?

• A. Occlusion alarms
• B. Hypoglycemia during exercise
• C. Low hemoglobin
• D. Shortness of breath

Answer: (A)

An occlusion alarm is the clearest sign that something is blocking insulin delivery and that the pump may be failing to deliver insulin properly. The device is designed to detect resistance or no flow in the delivery line, and it alerts you to prevent a period of under-delivery that could lead to high blood glucose or ketoacidosis if not addressed. When you see this alarm, inspect the whole infusion path for common blockage points: kinks or bending in the tubing, air bubbles, a mis-seated cartridge, or a cannula that’s twisted or clogged. After checking and addressing any simple causes, you may need to replace the infusion set or reservoir and follow your pump’s back-up plan.

Hypoglycemia during exercise isn’t a direct indicator of pump failure; it can happen because exercise changes insulin needs and glucose utilization even with a functioning pump. Low hemoglobin doesn’t reflect pump function, and shortness of breath isn’t related to insulin delivery from the pump and points to other health issues.