A college student is newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. She now has a headache, changes in her vision, and is anxious, but does not have her portable blood glucose monitor with her. Which action should the campus nurse advise her to take?
Eat a piece of pizza
Take an extra dose of rapid-acting insulin
Eat 15 g of simple carbohydrates
Drink some diet pop
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Eating a piece of pizza is not a good option for the student. Pizza is a complex carbohydrate that contains fat and protein, which can delay the absorption of glucose and cause unpredictable blood sugar levels. The student needs a simple carbohydrate that can quickly raise her blood sugar level, such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, or candy.
Choice B reason: Taking an extra dose of rapid-acting insulin is a dangerous option for the student. Insulin lowers the blood sugar level, and the student already has symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), such as headache, vision changes, and anxiety. Taking more insulin can worsen her condition and cause seizures, coma, or death.
Choice C reason: Eating 15 g of simple carbohydrates is the best option for the student. Simple carbohydrates are easily digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, and can raise the blood sugar level within 15 minutes. The student should eat 15 g of simple carbohydrates, such as four glucose tablets, half a cup of fruit juice, or three pieces of hard candy, and then check her blood sugar level if possible.
Choice D reason: Drinking some diet pop is not a helpful option for the student. Diet pop does not contain any sugar or calories, and will not affect the blood sugar level. The student needs a source of glucose to treat her hypoglycemia, and diet pop will not provide that.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: I will need to take medication by mouth until my blood sugar is within normal limits again is an incorrect statement that indicates the need for further teaching. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a condition where the pancreas does not produce any insulin, a hormone that helps the cells use glucose for energy. Patients with type 1 DM need to take insulin injections or use an insulin pump for life to replace the missing hormone. Oral medications for diabetes are not effective for type 1 DM, as they work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin or by increasing the sensitivity of the cells to insulin.
Choice B reason: If I get the flu, the dose of my insulin may need to be altered to control my blood glucose is a correct statement that shows understanding of the disease process. Illnesses such as the flu can increase the blood glucose level, as the body releases hormones that counteract the effects of insulin. Patients with type 1 DM may need to adjust their insulin dose, monitor their blood glucose more frequently, and check for ketones in their urine or blood when they are sick. Ketones are acidic substances that are produced when the body breaks down fat for energy, and can lead to a serious complication called diabetic ketoacidosis.
Choice C reason: I will monitor my blood glucose to help determine whether my medication is working as anticipated is another correct statement that demonstrates knowledge of the disease management. Blood glucose monitoring is an essential part of diabetes care, as it helps the patients and the health care providers to evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin therapy, the diet, and the exercise plan. Blood glucose monitoring also helps to prevent or detect hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and to adjust the insulin dose accordingly.
Choice D reason: The things that I eat may impact the dose of my medication used to control my blood glucose is also a correct statement that reflects awareness of the disease implications. The amount and type of carbohydrates that the patients eat can affect their blood glucose level, as carbohydrates are the main source of glucose in the diet. Patients with type 1 DM need to balance their insulin dose with their carbohydrate intake, and follow a consistent and healthy eating pattern. They may also use carbohydrate counting, a method of estimating the grams of carbohydrates in the foods they eat, to help them plan their meals and snacks.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is false. Nephropathy is a term that refers to any disease or damage of the kidneys. Acetaminophen overdose can cause nephropathy, but it is not the most serious toxic effect. Nephropathy can manifest as reduced urine output, increased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, and electrolyte imbalance.
Choice B reason: This statement is false. Tachycardia is a term that refers to a fast heart rate, usually more than 100 beats per minute. Acetaminophen overdose can cause tachycardia, but it is not the most serious toxic effect. Tachycardia can be a sign of dehydration, fever, pain, or anxiety.
Choice C reason: This statement is true. Liver dysfunction is the most serious toxic effect of acute acetaminophen overdose. Acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver and can produce a toxic byproduct that damages the liver cells. Liver dysfunction can manifest as jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and elevated liver enzymes.
Choice D reason: This statement is false. Central nervous system depression is a term that refers to a reduced level of consciousness, alertness, and responsiveness. Acetaminophen overdose can cause central nervous system depression, but it is not the most serious toxic effect. Central nervous system depression can be a sign of hypoxia, hypoglycemia, or drug intoxication.
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