A nurse is providing education to a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and has been experiencing hypoglycemic episodes. Which of the following statements by the nurse is appropriate?
Keeping supplies on hand to treat hypoglycemic episodes is important.
Increasing exercise can help with hypoglycemia.
Clients with hypoglycemia cannot participate in religious/cultural fasting.
Clients will usually have obvious manifestations of hypoglycemia.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Keeping supplies on hand to treat hypoglycemic episodes is crucial for clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can occur suddenly and needs immediate treatment to prevent severe complications such as loss of consciousness or seizures. Supplies such as glucose tablets, juice, or candy can quickly raise blood sugar levels. The American Diabetes Association recommends that individuals with diabetes always carry a source of fast-acting carbohydrate to treat hypoglycemia. This proactive approach ensures that clients can manage their condition effectively and reduce the risk of severe hypoglycemic events.
Choice B reason:
Increasing exercise can help with hypoglycemia is not an appropriate statement. While regular exercise is beneficial for managing diabetes overall, it can actually increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially if not properly managed. Exercise increases insulin sensitivity, which can lower blood glucose levels. Therefore, clients need to monitor their blood sugar levels before, during, and after exercise and adjust their carbohydrate intake or insulin dosage accordingly. Advising increased exercise without proper guidance on managing blood sugar levels can be dangerous for clients with type 1 diabetes.
Choice C reason:
Clients with hypoglycemia cannot participate in religious/cultural fasting is not entirely accurate. While fasting can pose challenges for individuals with diabetes, it is not impossible. Clients can participate in fasting with careful planning and medical supervision. They need to monitor their blood sugar levels more frequently and adjust their medication and food intake accordingly. Healthcare providers can work with clients to develop a plan that allows them to observe their religious or cultural practices safely. Therefore, a blanket statement that clients cannot participate in fasting is not appropriate.
Choice D reason:
Clients will usually have obvious manifestations of hypoglycemia is not always true. Hypoglycemia can present with a variety of symptoms, and not all clients will experience obvious signs. Common symptoms include shakiness, sweating, confusion, and irritability, but some individuals may have hypoglycemia unawareness, where they do not recognize the symptoms until their blood sugar levels are very low. This condition can be particularly dangerous as it increases the risk of severe hypoglycemia. Therefore, it is important for clients to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels rather than relying solely on symptoms.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Serum phosphate levels are not the primary concern in the management of diabetes insipidus (DI). While phosphate levels are important for overall health, they do not directly relate to the condition or its treatment with desmopressin. DI primarily affects water balance and sodium levels in the body.
Choice B reason:
Serum calcium levels, although important, are not the most critical lab value to monitor in a client with DI receiving desmopressin. Calcium levels are crucial for bone health and various metabolic functions, but they do not directly reflect the effectiveness or complications of desmopressin therapy.
Choice C reason:
Serum sodium levels are the most important lab value to monitor in a client with DI receiving desmopressin. DI causes an imbalance in water regulation, leading to excessive urination and potential dehydration. Desmopressin helps to reduce urine output and maintain water balance, but it can also lead to water retention and hyponatremia (low sodium levels). Monitoring serum sodium is crucial to prevent complications such as seizures, confusion, and other neurological symptoms associated with hyponatremia.
Choice D reason:
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels are useful in assessing kidney function and hydration status, but they are not the primary concern in the management of DI with desmopressin. While BUN levels can provide valuable information about renal function, they do not directly indicate the effectiveness or potential complications of desmopressin therapy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Lower Extremities Edematous with Decreased Pulses and Cool to the Touch
Lower extremities that are edematous with decreased pulses and cool to the touch can indicate severe peripheral artery disease (PAD) and poor blood circulation1. While this is a serious condition that requires medical attention, it is not necessarily an immediate emergency unless there are signs of acute limb ischemia, such as sudden pain or loss of function. Chronic symptoms like these often require ongoing management and monitoring rather than immediate intervention.
Choice B reason: Pain, Pallor, and Paresthesia in the Foot
Pain, pallor, and paresthesia (the three Ps) in the foot are classic signs of acute limb ischemia, a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Acute limb ischemia occurs when there is a sudden decrease in blood flow to a limb, leading to tissue damage and potential loss of the limb if not treated promptly4. The presence of these symptoms indicates that the limb is not receiving adequate blood supply, necessitating urgent medical attention to restore circulation and prevent permanent damage.
Choice C reason: Presence of an Open Wound Near the Ankle with Serous Drainage and Pruritus
An open wound near the ankle with serous drainage and pruritus (itching) suggests a chronic wound or ulcer, which is common in patients with PAD5. While this condition requires medical treatment to prevent infection and promote healing, it does not typically constitute an immediate emergency unless there are signs of severe infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or purulent drainage. Chronic wounds need regular care and monitoring but are not usually life-threatening.
Choice D reason: Murmur Auscultated at the Left Sternal Border, Slight Dyspnea, and Lower Extremity Edema
A murmur auscultated at the left sternal border, slight dyspnea (shortness of breath), and lower extremity edema can indicate heart valve disease or heart failure. These symptoms are concerning and require medical evaluation, but they do not typically represent an immediate emergency unless the patient is experiencing severe symptoms such as acute heart failure or cardiogenic shock. These conditions require prompt but not necessarily emergent intervention.
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