A client on glipizide, a sulfonylurea, reports to the nurse feeling anxious, sweaty & has a headache. The nurse's initial action is to:
take vital signs.
administer 1 mg glucagon subcutaneously.
obtain a blood glucose reading.
notify the physician.
The Correct Answer is C
A. While taking vital signs can provide useful information about the client's overall condition, it does not address the immediate concern of potential hypoglycemia. The priority is to assess blood glucose levels directly.
B. Glucagon can be administered in cases of severe hypoglycemia where the patient is unable to ingest glucose orally. However, before administering glucagon, the nurse should first check the blood glucose level to confirm hypoglycemia.
C. Checking the blood glucose level will provide immediate information about whether the client is experiencing hypoglycemia. If the blood glucose is low, appropriate treatment (such as administering glucose or a fast-acting carbohydrate) can be initiated. If it’s within normal limits, other causes for the symptoms can be explored.
D. While it may be necessary to notify the physician depending on the outcome of the blood glucose reading or if the client’s condition worsens, it is not the first action. Immediate assessment of the blood glucose level is essential to determine the correct course of action.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While staying hydrated is essential, especially during illness, limiting intake to non-caloric liquids could lead to inadequate caloric intake and worsen the client’s condition. Instead, the client should maintain a balanced intake of fluids and carbohydrates as tolerated.
B. This is a reasonable approach. Monitoring blood glucose levels regularly allows the client to assess how their body is responding to the illness and any adjustments in insulin. If the levels continue to rise, it is important for the client to seek medical attention to prevent complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
C. While it is important to manage carbohydrate intake, completely decreasing carbohydrate intake can lead to inadequate caloric consumption, which is especially risky during an illness. The body needs energy, and people with diabetes must balance carbohydrate intake with insulin administration to avoid complications.
D. Holding insulin can lead to dangerously high blood glucose levels. Clients with Type 1 diabetes require insulin regardless of illness, and it’s crucial to adjust the insulin regimen based on current blood glucose levels and carbohydrate intake.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While skipping meals can affect blood glucose levels, it is not a direct primary cause of DKA. In some cases, if a person with Type 1 diabetes skips a meal and does not adjust their insulin accordingly, it could lead to hyperglycemia. However, the absence of insulin is the critical factor in DKA.
B. Gastrointestinal disturbances, such as vomiting or diarrhea, can contribute to DKA by leading to dehydration and altering insulin absorption. However, they are not primary causes. The main concern is that they may cause the individual to skip insulin or not manage their diabetes effectively.
C. DKA is primarily caused by a lack of insulin, which leads to the body breaking down fat for energy instead of glucose. This process produces ketones, which can accumulate and lead to acidosis. For individuals with Type 1 diabetes, consistently taking insulin is crucial to prevent DKA.
D. An insulin overdose can lead to hypoglycemia, not DKA. When too much insulin is taken, it can cause blood glucose levels to drop too low, which is the opposite of what occurs in DKA.
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