A few weeks after an 82-year-old patient with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes has been placed on metformin (Glucophage) therapy and taught about appropriate diet and exercise, the home health nurse makes a visit. Which finding should the nurse promptly discuss with the health care provider?
Last eye examination was 18 months ago
Patient states they are scheduled for a CT scan with contrast dye the next day
Hemoglobin A1C level is 7.9%
Patient has questions about the prescribed diet
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Last eye examination was 18 months ago is not a finding that requires immediate attention from the health care provider. However, the nurse should remind the patient of the importance of regular eye examinations, as diabetes can increase the risk of eye problems, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that patients with type 2 diabetes have a comprehensive eye examination at least once every two years¹.
Choice B reason: Patient states they are scheduled for a CT scan with contrast dye the next day is a finding that should be promptly discussed with the health care provider. Metformin is a medication that lowers the blood glucose level by reducing the liver's production of glucose and increasing the cells' sensitivity to insulin. Metformin can interact with contrast dye, which is a substance that is injected into the veins to enhance the visibility of organs and tissues in imaging tests, such as CT scans. Contrast dye can impair the kidney function and increase the risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but serious condition where the blood becomes too acidic due to the accumulation of lactic acid. Lactic acidosis can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, and breathing difficulties. To prevent this complication, the ADA recommends that patients stop taking metformin at the time of or before the imaging procedure, and resume it 48 hours after the procedure, only if the kidney function is normal².
Choice C reason: Hemoglobin A1C level is 7.9% is not a finding that needs urgent discussion with the health care provider. Hemoglobin A1C is a test that measures the average blood glucose level over the past two to three months. It reflects how well the diabetes is controlled over time. The ADA recommends that most patients with type 2 diabetes aim for a hemoglobin A1C level of less than 7%, as this can reduce the risk of diabetes complications, such as heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and eye damage. A hemoglobin A1C level of 7.9% indicates that the patient's blood glucose level is slightly above the target range, and may need some adjustment in the medication, diet, or exercise plan. However, this is not an emergency situation, and the nurse can review the patient's self-monitoring records, medication adherence, and lifestyle factors, and provide education and support as needed.
Choice D reason: Patient has questions about the prescribed diet is not a finding that warrants immediate communication with the health care provider. However, the nurse should address the patient's questions and concerns, and provide clear and consistent information about the dietary recommendations for type 2 diabetes. A healthy diet for type 2 diabetes should include a variety of foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats. The patient should also limit the intake of added sugars, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium. The nurse can help the patient plan their meals and snacks, and use tools such as carbohydrate counting, portion control, or the plate method to balance their food choices and blood glucose levels..
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is true. Assessing mental status and level of consciousness is an important consideration for this treatment, as morphine can cause sedation, confusion, and respiratory depression. The nurse should monitor the client's orientation, alertness, and responsiveness, and use a sedation scale to evaluate the degree of sedation.
Choice B reason: This statement is true. Assessing urine output frequently is an important consideration for this treatment, as morphine can cause urinary retention, which can lead to bladder distension, infection, or kidney damage. The nurse should measure the client's urine output and check for signs of bladder fullness or discomfort.
Choice C reason: This statement is false. Monitoring potassium levels is not an important consideration for this treatment, as morphine does not affect the blood potassium level. Potassium is an electrolyte that is essential for the normal function of the heart, muscles, and nerves. Potassium imbalance can be caused by other factors, such as diuretics, vomiting, diarrhea, or acid-base disorders.
Choice D reason: This statement is true. Teaching the family that only the client can press the button for pain medication is an important consideration for this treatment, as PCA Pump allows the client to self-administer a preset dose of morphine within a specified time interval. The family should not press the button for the client, as this can result in overmedication, overdose, or addiction.
Choice E reason: This statement is true. Ensuring there is an order for Naloxone in case of overdose is an important consideration for this treatment, as Naloxone is an antidote that can reverse the effects of morphine in the event of an overdose. Naloxone can restore the client's breathing, blood pressure, and consciousness, and prevent death.
Choice F reason: This statement is true. Assessing CO2 levels is an important consideration for this treatment, as morphine can cause respiratory depression, which can lead to hypercapnia, or high blood carbon dioxide level. Hypercapnia can cause headache, drowsiness, confusion, and coma. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory rate, depth, and rhythm, and use a capnograph or a blood gas analysis to measure the CO2 level.
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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