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.

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because there is no need to recheck the heart rate in one hour before giving the digoxin. The client's apical heart rate is within the normal range (60 to 100 beats per minute) and does not indicate bradycardia (slow heart rate), which is a sign of digoxin toxicity. The nurse should check the apical heart rate for one full minute before giving the digoxin and withhold the dose if the heart rate is below 60 beats per minute.

Choice B reason: This choice is correct because the client's digoxin level is within the therapeutic range (0.5 to 2.0 ng/mL) and does not indicate digoxin toxicity or underdosing. The client's vital signs and labs are also stable and do not indicate any adverse effects of digoxin. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that improves the contractility and efficiency of the heart and helps to control the heart rate and rhythm in clients with heart failure. The nurse should give the digoxin as ordered and monitor the client's response and digoxin level.

Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because there is no indication for a chest x-ray for this client. A chest x-ray is a diagnostic test that can show the size and shape of the heart and lungs and detect any abnormalities, such as fluid accumulation, infection, or tumors. The client's symptoms and labs do not suggest any pulmonary complications or worsening of heart failure that would require a chest x-ray. The nurse should follow the provider's orders and protocols for chest x-ray indications.

Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect because there is no reason to hold the digoxin and call the MD for this client. The client's digoxin level is not too high or too low and does not require dose adjustment or discontinuation. The client's vital signs and labs are also normal and do not indicate any signs of digoxin toxicity or adverse effects. Holding the digoxin could cause the client's heart failure to worsen or cause arrhythmias. The nurse should only hold the digoxin and call the MD if the client has signs of digoxin toxicity, such as nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, confusion, or bradycardia. .

A. My stomach is distended, and I haven't had a bowel movement in 3 days B. This IV site seems irritated, it's red and painful C. Everything has started sounding muffled, I'm having difficulty hearing D. I feel like I've done nothing but urinate since I've been here

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because stomach distension and constipation are not common side effects of furosemide. They may be related to other causes, such as diet, fluid intake, or medication interactions. The nurse should assess the client's abdominal status and bowel habits and provide appropriate interventions, such as increasing fiber, fluids, or laxatives.

Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because IV site irritation, redness, and pain are not specific side effects of furosemide. They may be caused by other factors, such as infection, infiltration, or phlebitis. The nurse should inspect the IV site and catheter and change them if needed. The nurse should also monitor the client's vital signs and blood cultures for signs of infection.

Choice C reason: This choice is correct because hearing loss or impairment is a rare but serious side effect of furosemide. It can occur due to damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. It may be temporary or permanent, depending on the dose and duration of furosemide therapy. The nurse should stop the infusion of furosemide and notify the provider immediately. The nurse should also assess the client's hearing and balance and provide safety measures.

Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect because frequent urination is an expected effect of furosemide. Furosemide is a diuretic that increases the excretion of water and electrolytes through the urine. It helps to reduce fluid overload and edema in clients with heart failure. The nurse should measure and record the client's intake and output and monitor the client's fluid and electrolyte status.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient is being treated for heart failure. Labs: Sodium 146 meq/L, Potassium 4.2 mmol/L, Hemoglobin 10.5 gm/dL, White Blood Cells 12.2, digoxin level 0.8 ng/mL VS: BP 118/66, apical heart rate 68, O2 96% on 2L nasal cannula, temperature 98.4°F What will the nurse do with the digoxin order?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A patient hospitalized for heart failure exacerbation has been receiving 40 mg furosemide IV twice daily. What statement by the client would alert the nurse to a possible toxic effect of this medication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which response by the patient would indicate to the nurse that the client understood the education for their new hydrochlorothiazide prescription?

A nurse is preparing to administer hydrocortisone 150 mg via IV bolus. Available is hydrocortisone 50 mg/mL. How many mL should the nurse administer? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

The nurse is unable to get an IV line started on a client who is lethargic and unable to follow commands with a blood glucose of 30. The nurse should make what recommendation when giving SBAR report to the prescriber?

A nurse is preparing to administer heparin 7,500 units subcutaneous. Available is heparin 10,000 units/mL. How many mL should the nurse administer? (Round the answer to the nearest hundredth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Which of the following would be included in bleeding precautions for a client taking warfarin? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

A nurse is preparing to administer enoxaparin 40 mg subcutaneous for prevention of deep vein thrombosis. Available is enoxaparin 100 mg/mL. How many mL should the nurse administer? (Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)