A nurse finds a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus lying in bed, sweating, tachycardic, and reporting feeling lightheaded and shaky. Which of the following complications should the nurse suspect?
Ketoacidosis
Hyperglycemia
Hypoglycemia
Nephropathy
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: Ketoacidosis. This is incorrect because ketoacidosis is a complication of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. Ketoacidosis occurs when the body breaks down fat for energy due to insufficient insulin, resulting in the accumulation of ketones and acids in the blood. Ketoacidosis can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fruity breath odor, deep and rapid breathing, and altered mental status.
Choice B: Hyperglycemia. This is incorrect because hyperglycemia is a condition of high blood glucose, not low blood glucose. Hyperglycemia can occur due to insufficient insulin, excessive carbohydrate intake, infection, stress, or illness. Hyperglycemia can cause symptoms such as polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, blurred vision, fatigue, and headache.
Choice C: Hypoglycemia. This is correct because hypoglycemia is a condition of low blood glucose, which can occur due to excessive insulin, inadequate carbohydrate intake, exercise, alcohol consumption, or medication interactions. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as sweating, tachycardia, palpitations, tremors, hunger, anxiety, confusion, dizziness, weakness, and seizures.
Choice D: Nephropathy. This is incorrect because nephropathy is a complication of chronic hyperglycemia, not acute hypoglycemia. Nephropathy is a kidney disease that results from damage to the small blood vessels and glomeruli in the kidneys due to high blood glucose levels. Nephropathy can cause symptoms such as proteinuria, edema, hypertension, and renal failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Wearing closed-toed shoes daily is a good practice for people with diabetes, as it can protect the feet from injuries and infections. However, it is not the most important action for preventing long-term complications of retinopathy and neuropathy. These complications are mainly caused by high blood glucose levels that damage the blood vessels and nerves in the eyes and feet.
Choice B reason: Maintaining stable blood glucose levels is the most important action for preventing long-term complications of retinopathy and neuropathy. High blood glucose levels can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, which impair the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the eyes and feet. This can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy) and vision loss (retinopathy) over time. Keeping blood glucose levels within the target range can reduce the risk of these complications and slow down their progression if they already exist.
Choice C reason: Planning to have an eye examination once per year is a recommended action for people with diabetes, as it can help detect and treat retinopathy before it causes irreversible damage to the retina. However, it is not the most important action for preventing long-term complications of retinopathy and neuropathy. Eye examinations cannot prevent retinopathy from occurring or worsening; they can only monitor its status and provide appropriate interventions.
Choice D reason: Examining your feet carefully every day is another recommended action for people with diabetes, as it can help identify and treat any signs of neuropathy, such as numbness, tingling, pain, or ulcers. However, it is not the most important action for preventing long-term complications of retinopathy and neuropathy. Foot examinations cannot prevent neuropathy from occurring or worsening; they can only monitor its status and provide appropriate care.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Place the client on his back. This is incorrect because the client should be placed in a sitting position with the head of the bed elevated to 30 to 45 degrees. This allows the fluid to accumulate in the lower abdomen and reduces the risk of puncturing the diaphragm.
Choice B: Have the client increase fluid intake after the procedure. This is also incorrect because the client should restrict fluid intake after the procedure to prevent fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance. The nurse should monitor the client’s intake and output, weight, and vital signs.
Choice C: Assure the client that the procedure is painless. This is not true because the client may experience some discomfort or pressure during the insertion of the needle or catheter. The nurse should administer analgesics as prescribed and provide emotional support.
Choice D: Instruct the client to empty his bladder. This is correct because this reduces the risk of bladder injury during the procedure. The nurse should also measure and record the amount of urine voided.
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