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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Metabolic alkalosis is a condition characterized by an elevated pH in body tissues, typically due to an excess of bicarbonate or a loss of hydrogen ions. This condition is not associated with Kussmaul breathing. Kussmaul breathing is a deep and labored breathing pattern often seen in patients with metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis. In metabolic alkalosis, the body does not need to expel excess acid through rapid breathing, so Kussmaul respirations are not observed.
Choice B reason: Metabolic acidosis is a condition where there is an excess of acid in the body due to the accumulation of acid or the loss of bicarbonate. This condition is commonly seen in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), where the body produces high levels of ketones, leading to acidosis. Kussmaul breathing is a compensatory mechanism in metabolic acidosis, where the body attempts to reduce the acid level by expelling carbon dioxide through rapid, deep breaths. This type of breathing helps to lower the blood’s acidity by reducing the concentration of carbon dioxide, which is an acid.
Choice C reason: Respiratory alkalosis is a condition where there is a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood due to excessive breathing or hyperventilation. This condition leads to an increase in blood pH, making it more alkaline. Kussmaul breathing is not associated with respiratory alkalosis because it is a response to metabolic acidosis, not a condition where the body is already expelling too much carbon dioxide.
Choice D reason: Respiratory acidosis is a condition where there is an excess of carbon dioxide in the blood due to inadequate respiration. This leads to a decrease in blood pH, making it more acidic. While respiratory acidosis involves an acidic environment, Kussmaul breathing is specifically a response to metabolic acidosis, not respiratory acidosis. In respiratory acidosis, the body would not use Kussmaul respirations as a compensatory mechanism.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
“I need to walk slowly as I lose my balance often” is a significant safety concern for a client with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Balance issues can increase the risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries, especially in clients with compromised circulation. PAD can cause muscle weakness and pain, which may contribute to balance problems. Reporting this symptom to the provider is crucial for further evaluation and intervention to prevent falls and improve the client’s mobility and safety.
Choice B reason:
“I have a small-healed area on my spine that is painful” is not directly related to peripheral artery disease. While pain in different parts of the body can be concerning, this statement does not indicate an immediate safety risk associated with PAD. However, it is still important for the nurse to document and monitor this symptom, as it could be related to other underlying conditions.
Choice C reason:
“I don’t go out much because of the pain in my legs” is a common symptom of PAD known as claudication, which is pain caused by too little blood flow during exercise. While this statement indicates a significant impact on the client’s quality of life, it does not pose an immediate safety risk that requires urgent reporting. The nurse should provide education on managing claudication and encourage the client to engage in supervised exercise programs to improve circulation.
Choice D reason:
“It makes me sad that I can’t keep up with my grandchildren” reflects the emotional and psychological impact of PAD on the client’s life. While this is an important aspect of the client’s overall well-being, it does not represent an immediate safety concern. The nurse should address the client’s emotional health and consider referring them to a mental health professional for support.
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