A hospitalized patient who is diabetic received 38 U of NPH insulin at 7:00 AM. At 1:00 PM, the patient was away from the nursing unit for 2 hours, missing the lunch delivery while awaiting a chest x-ray.
What is the best action by the nurse to prevent hypoglycemia?
Request that if testing is further delayed, the patient will eat lunch first.
Send a glass of orange juice to the patient in the diagnostic testing area.
Save the lunch tray for the patient's later return.
Plan to discontinue the evening dose of insulin.
The Correct Answer is B
The patient received 38 U of NPH insulin at 7:00 AM, and by 1:00 PM, the insulin has been active for approximately 6 hours. The patient has missed lunch, which may lead to hypoglycemia, especially with the activity of the insulin.
Sending a glass of orange juice will provide the patient with a quick source of glucose to prevent hypoglycemia. If testing is further delayed, the nurse may request that the patient be allowed to eat lunch first or save the lunch tray for later, but immediate intervention is necessary to prevent hypoglycemia. Discontinuing the evening dose of insulin is not an appropriate action and should not be considered without consulting the healthcare provider.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A decrease in the level of consciousness is a serious sign and could be an indication of worsening conditions. It is essential for the nurse to ensure that the patient's airway is open and clear, as a compromised airway can lead to hypoxia and a further decrease in consciousness. Therefore, maintaining a patent airway should be the nurse's priority action in this situation.
While monitoring blood pressure and restricting oral intake may be important interventions in certain situations, they are not the priority actions in this scenario. Administering SQ insulin may not be necessary for a patient with hypothyroidism and acute appendicitis.
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
Option A is not the best advice because drinking lots of water alone may not be enough to relieve constipation, especially if there is an obstruction.
Option B is also not accurate because not all intestinal obstructions require surgery, and the treatment approach will depend on the cause and severity of the obstruction.
Option C is accurate because a nasogastric tube can help relieve any distention caused by the obstruction by removing any gas or fluids that may have accumulated in the stomach and small intestine.
Option D is also accurate because an abdominal CT is one of the diagnostic tests that can help confirm the presence of intestinal obstruction and provide information about the location and cause of the obstruction.
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