A client has been hospitalized for multiple sclerosis exacerbation and is being given high dose IV glucocorticoid steroid medications. The prescriber places new orders for weight based sliding scale insulin. The patient asks why they need insulin. Are they now diabetic? What is the nurse's best response?
Insulin is commonly given to all hospitalized clients.
You likely developed diabetes prior to hospitalization, but are just now being diagnosed.
You have developed type 1 diabetes and will need insulin for the rest of your life.
Glucocorticoid steroid medications can cause temporary hyperglycemia.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because insulin is not commonly given to all hospitalized clients. Insulin is a hormone that lowers blood sugar levels in the body. It is only given to clients who have diabetes or other conditions that cause high blood sugar, such as pancreatitis, sepsis, or steroid therapy. The nurse should explain the indication and purpose of insulin to the client and not make false or misleading statements.
Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because the client did not likely develop diabetes prior to hospitalization, but are just now being diagnosed. Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not use it properly, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Diabetes can be diagnosed by measuring the blood sugar levels, the hemoglobin A1c levels, or the oral glucose tolerance test. The nurse should not assume or imply that the client has diabetes without proper testing and confirmation.
Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because the client did not develop type 1 diabetes and will not need insulin for the rest of their life. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to a complete lack of insulin. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in childhood or adolescence, and requires lifelong insulin therapy. The nurse should not diagnose or predict the client's condition without evidence or authority.
Choice D reason: This choice is correct because glucocorticoid steroid medications can cause temporary hyperglycemia. Glucocorticoids are anti-inflammatory drugs that suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. They are used to treat conditions such as multiple sclerosis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and allergic reactions. However, they can also increase the blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to produce more glucose and reducing the sensitivity of the cells to insulin. The nurse should inform the client that the insulin is needed to control the blood sugar levels while they are on steroid therapy, and that the insulin dose may be adjusted or discontinued when the steroids are tapered or stopped.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This choice is correct because blood glucose is the priority assessment for a client with a prescription for glipizide who is confused, diaphoretic, and tachycardic. Glipizide is a medicine that lowers blood sugar levels in the body. It can cause side effects such as anxiety, diarrhea, nausea, and low blood sugar. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause confusion, sweating, fast heart rate, dizziness, hunger, and seizures. The nurse should check the client's blood glucose level and treat hypoglycemia as soon as possible.
Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because apical heart rate is not the priority assessment for a client with a prescription for glipizide who is confused, diaphoretic, and tachycardic. Apical heart rate is the number of heartbeats per minute that can be heard at the apex of the heart. It can be affected by many factors, such as age, activity, stress, and medication. Tachycardia is a condition where the heart beats faster than normal, which can be a sign of low blood sugar, dehydration, infection, or heart problems. The nurse should check the apical heart rate after assessing and treating the blood glucose level.
Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because INR level is not the priority assessment for a client with a prescription for glipizide who is confused, diaphoretic, and tachycardic. INR stands for international normalized ratio, which is a measure of how long it takes the blood to clot. It is used to monitor the effect of anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin, that prevent blood clots. Glipizide does not affect the INR level, and the client's symptoms are not related to bleeding or clotting. The nurse should check the INR level only if the client is taking anticoagulant drugs and has signs of bleeding or clotting.
Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect because the last bowel movement is not the priority assessment for a client with a prescription for glipizide who is confused, diaphoretic, and tachycardic. The last bowel movement is the time and nature of the client's most recent defecation. It can be affected by many factors, such as diet, fluid intake, activity, medication, and bowel habits. Glipizide can cause diarrhea or constipation, which can affect the frequency and consistency of the bowel movement. The nurse should check the last bowel movement after assessing and treating the blood glucose level.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. INR level is a measure of blood clotting time and is not directly affected by digoxin. It is more relevant for patients who are taking anticoagulants, such as warfarin.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Temperature is not a priority assessment for a patient receiving digoxin. It may indicate an infection or inflammation, but it is not related to the action or toxicity of digoxin.
Choice C reason: This is correct. Apical heart rate is the priority assessment for a patient receiving digoxin. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that increases the force and efficiency of the heart contractions, but also slows down the heart rate. The nurse should monitor the apical pulse for one full minute before administering digoxin and withhold the dose if the pulse is below 60 beats per minute for adults or below the age-specific normal range for children. A low or irregular pulse may indicate digoxin toxicity, which can be life-threatening.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Blood pressure is not a priority assessment for a patient receiving digoxin. Digoxin does not have a direct effect on blood pressure, although it may improve the cardiac output and reduce the fluid retention in patients with heart failure. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly, but it is not as critical as the apical heart rate.
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