A nurse is preparing a 50 mL dose of 50% dextrose IV for a patient experiencing insulin shock. What is the best method for administering the medication?

Mix the dextrose in a 50 mL piggyback for a total volume of 100 mL.

Dilute the dextrose in one liter of 0.9% normal saline solution.

Ask the pharmacist to add the dextrose to a total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution.

Push the undiluted dextrose slowly through the currently infusing IV.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale
Mixing the dextrose in a 50 mL piggyback for a total volume of 100 mL is not the best method for administering the medication. This would dilute the dextrose, potentially reducing its effectiveness.
Choice B rationale
Diluting the dextrose in one liter of 0.9% normal saline solution is not the best method for administering the medication. This would significantly dilute the dextrose, potentially reducing its effectiveness.
Choice C rationale
Asking the pharmacist to add the dextrose to a total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution is not the best method for administering the medication. This would not provide the immediate glucose boost needed to counteract insulin shock.
Choice D rationale

Pushing the undiluted dextrose slowly through the currently infusing IV is the best method for administering the medication. This allows for rapid administration of a concentrated glucose solution, which is necessary to quickly raise blood glucose levels in a patient experiencing insulin shock.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Offering the client oral fluids is important for hydration, but it may not be appropriate for all patients, especially those with certain medical conditions or those who are NPO (nothing by mouth)7.
Choice B rationale

Feeding the client a snack can help maintain energy levels, but it may not be appropriate for all patients, especially those with dietary restrictions or those who are NPO7.
Choice C rationale
Assessing breath sounds is an important part of respiratory assessment, but it is not typically within the scope of practice for unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). This task should be performed by a licensed nurse.
Choice D rationale
Emptying the urinary drainage bag is an appropriate task for a UAP to perform each time the client is turned. This helps ensure accurate measurement of urinary output and prevents infection by keeping the bag below the level of the bladder.

A. Monitor the patient’s cardiac activity via telemetry. B. Assess glucose via fingerstick every 4 to 6 hours. C. Evaluate hourly urine output for return of normal renal function. D. Maintain venous access with an infusion of normal saline.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Monitoring the patient’s cardiac activity via telemetry is the most important intervention for a patient with acute renal failure (ARF), uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus, and hyperkalemia who is receiving an IV dose of regular insulin. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias and other cardiac complications. Therefore, continuous cardiac monitoring is crucial to detect any changes in heart rhythm or rate that could indicate worsening hyperkalemia.
Choice B rationale
While assessing glucose via fingerstick every 4 to 6 hours is important for a patient with uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus, it is not the most important intervention in this scenario. The patient’s hyperkalemia and ARF pose more immediate risks.
Choice C rationale
Evaluating hourly urine output for return of normal renal function is an important part of monitoring a patient with ARF34. However, in the context of hyperkalemia and the administration of insulin, cardiac monitoring is more critical.
Choice D rationale
Maintaining venous access with an infusion of normal saline is a standard nursing intervention for most hospitalized patients, but it is not the most important intervention in this scenario.

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A nurse is preparing a 50 mL dose of 50% dextrose IV for a patient experiencing insulin shock. What is the best method for administering the medication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse instructs an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to turn an immobilized older client with an indwelling urinary catheter every two hours. What additional action should the nurse instruct the UAP to perform each time the client is turned?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A patient with acute renal failure (ARF) is admitted due to uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus and hyperkalemia. The nurse administers an IV dose of regular insulin per sliding scale. What is the most important intervention for the nurse to include in this patient’s plan of care?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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