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 is correct because high lipid levels, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, also known as statins, lower the production of cholesterol in the liver and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because blood glucose of 60 is not related to the need for an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Blood glucose of 60 is below the normal range and may indicate hypoglycemia, which is a low blood sugar level. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, sweating, and hunger.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because platelets over 150,000 are not related to the need for an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Platelets are blood cells that help with clotting and prevent bleeding. The normal range of platelets is 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood. Platelets over 150,000 are within the normal range and do not indicate a problem.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because low INR is not related to the need for an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. INR stands for international normalized ratio and is a measure of how long it takes the blood to clot. The normal range of INR is 0.8 to 1.2. Low INR means the blood clots faster than normal and may indicate a risk of thrombosis, which is a blood clot in a vein or artery.
Correct Answer is ["2500"]
Explanation
The nurse needs to administer 2.5 L of 0.45% sodium chloride IV over 24 hours.
We know that 1 L is equal to 1000 mL.
So, 2.5 L is equal to 2.5 x 1000 mL/L = 2500 mL
Therefore, the nurse should administer 2500 mL over 24 hours.
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