Which of the following is considered a high-risk medication that requires special attention?

Insulin is considered a high-risk medication because it has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning that the difference between the effective dose and a potentially harmful dose is small. This requires careful monitoring of blood glucose levels and precise dosing to avoid serious complications such as hypoglycemia, which can lead to loss of consciousness or even death if not managed promptly. Patients who require insulin therapy often have concurrent medical issues that necessitate special attention, including diabetes management plans and potential interactions with other medications.

In contrast, medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, while they should be used with caution, have a broader therapeutic range and are generally less risky when used as directed. Calcium supplements are usually considered safe and have fewer risks associated with them compared to high-alert medications like insulin. Therefore, insulin stands out as needing heightened vigilance during administration and monitoring.