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 C
Explanation
A. Examining feet daily is important for preventing foot complications, such as ulcers, in diabetics but is not directly related to preventing retinopathy and nephropathy.
B. Wearing compression stockings is not specifically recommended for preventing retinopathy or nephropathy in diabetes.
C. Maintaining stable blood glucose levels is crucial for preventing or slowing the progression of diabetic complications such as retinopathy and nephropathy. Good glycemic control minimizes the damage to blood vessels in the eyes and kidneys.
D. While regular eye exams are important for detecting retinopathy early, maintaining stable blood glucose levels is key to preventing the development of complications in the first place.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Storing the remainder of the medication in a locked drawer is not appropriate for controlled substances that are not fully administered.
B. Lorazepam is a controlled substance, and any unused portion must be disposed of according to hospital policy, typically by discarding it with a witness. The presence of another nurse to witness the discarding process ensures proper documentation and compliance with legal regulations.
C. Withdrawing the medication into a syringe and labeling it is unsafe as it may lead to medication errors or misuse.
D. Simply throwing the vial into the trash, even with another nurse present, does not comply with the proper disposal procedure for controlled substances.
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