A client who has type 2 diabetes mellitus takes metformin 500 mg PO daily for blood glucose control. The client has been NPO since midnight in preparation for general anesthesia and surgery. At 0700 the client's serum glucose level is 250 mg/dL (13.9 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse implement?
Reference Range:
Fasting Blood Glucose [74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]
Obtain a prescription for regular insulin SUBQ per sliding scale.
Record the blood glucose results and requisition a repeat test in one hour.
Prepare to initiate a continuous IV infusion of Insulin in normal saline.
Administer the client's daily metformin tablet with a sip of water.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Administering insulin per sliding scale is appropriate for managing elevated blood glucose in a patient who is NPO and cannot take oral hypoglycemics like metformin.
B. Repeating the test in one hour delays necessary treatment and does not address the current hyperglycemia.
C. A continuous IV infusion of insulin is more appropriate for severe hyperglycemia or critical care situations, but obtaining a sliding scale prescription is more routine in this context.
D. Administering metformin with a sip of water could be considered if the provider orders it, but typically, oral hypoglycemics are held when a patient is NPO.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Urinary output is important but not as critical as identifying the potential source of infection.
B. A 24-hour medication history is useful but secondary to identifying an acute infection.
C. The amount of serous drainage provides information on wound healing but does not confirm infection.
D. Increased confusion in an older adult, especially with a wound present, raises concern for infection, possibly sepsis. A WBC count can help identify infection and guide further treatment.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Jaundice is not related to oxygen saturation, so using a pulse oximeter is not appropriate in this situation.
B. Reducing the dose of acetaminophen may be necessary, but this decision should be made after evaluating liver function.
C. Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin, can indicate liver dysfunction, possibly due to acetaminophen overuse or toxicity. The nurse should report this finding to the healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and management.
D. Checking capillary glucose levels is not relevant to the assessment of jaundice.
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