A 6-year-old female client who was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) comes to the clinic with anorexia, drowsiness, and polydipsia. Her parents report frequent urination and bedwetting episodes almost nightly. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) take?
Obtain a serum glucose level.
Offer age-appropriate toys.
Suggest diapers for bedtime use.
Bring orange juice and crackers.
The Correct Answer is A
The practical nurse (PN) should obtain a serum glucose level to assess the client's blood sugar level, which can help to determine if the client is experiencing hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Anorexia, drowsiness, and polydipsia, along with the reported frequent urination and bedwetting, are symptoms of hyperglycemia or DKA.
Offering age-appropriate toys (B) or suggesting diapers for bedtime use (C) are not appropriate actions for the PN to take in this situation.
Bringing orange juice and crackers (D) may help to increase the client's blood sugar level in the short term, but it does not address the underlying issue and may exacerbate the client's symptoms if she is experiencing hyperglycemia or DKA.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The PN should provide the information that it may be helpful to **try withholding fluids after supper and before bedtime**. Bedwetting is common and often runs in families. It can be upsetting, but most children and young people will grow out of it³. It’s not unusual for kids to wet the bed at night. Known formally as pediatric enuresis, uncontrolled nighttime urination affects as many as 5% to 10% of 7-year-olds in the United States.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Restlessness, confusion, and agitation in the evening are common symptoms of sundowning, which is a condition that affects some older adults with dementia. Offering to walk around the hallways with the client can provide a calming effect and reduce the symptoms of sundowning.
Dimming the lights may actually increase confusion and agitation, and leaving the client alone may increase feelings of isolation and fear.
Measuring the client's vital signs may not be necessary unless there are specific medical concerns.
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