A nurse is caring for a patient with long history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who develops cor pulmonale.
The nurse should monitor the patient for which expected finding if heart failure is present?

Choice A rationale: A blood glucose level of 55 mg/dL is critically low, indicating hypoglycemia. Immediate intervention is required to prevent potential complications such as loss of consciousness, seizures, or even death. Hypoglycemia in individuals with type 1 diabetes can be life-threatening and requires prompt treatment with fast-acting carbohydrates to restore normal blood glucose levels.

Choice B rationale: The client's report of shakiness, hunger, cool skin, and diaphoresis are classic symptoms of hypoglycemia. These symptoms correlate with the dangerously low blood glucose level and indicate an urgent need for intervention. Addressing these symptoms quickly can prevent further deterioration of the client's condition.

Choice C rationale: While the slight increase in temperature to 37.8°C (100°F) is noteworthy, it does not necessitate immediate intervention compared to the hypoglycemic event. Monitoring for any signs of infection or other issues is important, but it is not the highest priority in this scenario.

Choice D rationale: An oxygen saturation of 97% on room air is within normal limits and does not require immediate follow-up. There are no signs of respiratory distress or hypoxia that would necessitate urgent intervention in this case.

Choice A rationale

Administering insulin when the breakfast tray arrives may not provide sufficient time for the insulin to take effect before the client begins eating, potentially leading to hyperglycemia.

Choice B rationale

Administering insulin at 07: is too early and may result in hypoglycemia before the client eats breakfast.

Choice C rationale

Administering insulin at 07: allows sufficient time for the insulin to take effect before the client eats breakfast, helping to maintain appropriate blood glucose levels.

Choice D rationale

Administering insulin 30 minutes after breakfast is too late and could result in hyperglycemia since the client would have already consumed carbohydrates.