A client reports confusion and blurred vision after receiving a dose of glipizide. Which action should the nurse implement?
Perform a neurological exam.
Obtain a fingerstick blood glucose.
Administer glucagon intramuscularly.
Measure the client's vital signs.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Performing a neurological exam is not the priority action in this situation. Confusion and blurred vision are signs of hypoglycemia, which is a low blood sugar level. Glipizide is a medication that lowers blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. The nurse should first confirm the blood sugar level before performing any other assessments or interventions.
Choice B reason: Obtaining a fingerstick blood glucose is the best action in this situation. This is a quick and easy way to measure the blood sugar level and determine if the client is experiencing hypoglycemia. The nurse should use a glucometer and a lancet to prick the client's finger and obtain a drop of blood. The nurse should compare the result with the normal range and follow the hypoglycemia protocol.
Choice C reason: Administering glucagon intramuscularly is not the first action in this situation. Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood sugar by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen in the liver. It is used as an emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia, when the client is unconscious or unable to swallow. The nurse should only administer glucagon after confirming the blood sugar level and trying oral glucose first.
Choice D reason: Measuring the client's vital signs is not the priority action in this situation. Vital signs include blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and temperature. They can provide information about the client's overall health and stability, but they are not specific to hypoglycemia. The nurse should focus on the blood sugar level, which is the most relevant indicator of hypoglycemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Measuring the client's urinary output is not the most appropriate action for the nurse to take. Although urinary output is an important indicator of renal function, it is not related to the color change of the urine. The nurse should monitor the client's fluid balance as part of the routine care, but it is not a priority.
Choice B reason: Explaining the color change is normal is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take. Carbidopa/levodopa can cause the urine to become dark brown or black, which is a harmless side effect. The nurse should reassure the client that this is not a sign of a serious problem and does not affect the effectiveness of the medication.
Choice C reason: Obtaining a specimen for a urine culture is not the most appropriate action for the nurse to take. A urine culture is used to diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is characterized by symptoms such as dysuria, frequency, urgency, and hematuria. The color change of the urine due to carbidopa/levodopa is not indicative of a UTI. The nurse should obtain a urine culture only if the client has signs or symptoms of a UTI.
Choice D reason: Encouraging an increase in oral intake is not the most appropriate action for the nurse to take. Although adequate hydration is important for the client's health, it is not related to the color change of the urine. The nurse should encourage the client to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration, but it is not a priority.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Keeping an oral liquid or glucose source available is a good intervention for any client who is receiving insulin, as it can help treat hypoglycemia, which is a low blood sugar level. However, it is not the most important intervention for a client who is receiving insulin lispro, which is a rapid-acting insulin that starts working within 15 minutes and lasts for 2 to 4 hours. The nurse should ensure that the client has a meal ready before giving this insulin, as it can cause severe hypoglycemia if the client does not eat soon after.
Choice B reason: Providing meals at the same time this insulin is given is the most important intervention for a client who is receiving insulin lispro, which is a rapid-acting insulin that mimics the natural insulin response to a meal. The nurse should coordinate the timing of the insulin injection and the meal, as the insulin will lower the blood sugar level quickly and the meal will provide the glucose needed to prevent hypoglycemia. The nurse should also teach the client and the family about the importance of eating within 15 minutes of taking this insulin.
Choice C reason: Assessing for hypoglycemia between meals is a good intervention for any client who is receiving insulin, as it can help detect and treat low blood sugar levels. However, it is not the most important intervention for a client who is receiving insulin lispro, which is a rapid-acting insulin that has a short duration of action. The risk of hypoglycemia is highest during the peak of the insulin action, which is 30 to 90 minutes after the injection. The nurse should monitor the client's blood sugar level more frequently during this time and provide snacks as needed.
Choice D reason: Checking blood glucose levels every six hours is not a sufficient intervention for a client who is receiving insulin lispro, which is a rapid-acting insulin that requires more frequent monitoring. The nurse should check the blood glucose level before each meal and at bedtime, as well as before and after exercise, to adjust the insulin dose and prevent hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. The nurse should also teach the client and the family how to use a glucometer and record the blood glucose results.
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