A nurse is providing education to a pregnant woman who may require insulin therapy for gestational diabetes.
Which information should the nurse include?
"Insulin administration may be necessary if dietary modifications and physical activity alone are insufficient.".
"You can skip your insulin doses if your blood glucose levels are stable.".
"Insulin therapy is the first-line treatment for gestational diabetes.".
"Insulin can be administered at any time during the day.".
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. Insulin administration may be necessary if dietary modifications and physical activity alone are insufficient.
This is because gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition that affects the way the body uses glucose during pregnancy, and it can cause high blood sugar levels that can affect the health of both the mother and the baby. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy, and some women with GDM may need to take insulin injections to keep their blood sugar levels within normal range.
Choice B is wrong because skipping insulin doses can lead to dangerously high blood sugar levels that can cause complications such as ketoacidosis, fetal distress, preterm labor, or stillbirth.
Women with GDM should follow their prescribed insulin regimen and monitor their blood sugar levels regularly.
Choice C is wrong because insulin therapy is not the first-line treatment for GDM. The first-line treatment for GDM is lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, limiting carbohydrates and sweets, increasing fiber intake, and exercising moderately for at least 30 minutes a day.
These measures can help lower blood sugar levels and reduce the need for insulin therapy.
However, if lifestyle changes are not enough to control blood sugar levels, insulin therapy may be added as a second-line treatment.
Choice D is wrong because insulin cannot be administered at any time during the day.
Insulin therapy for GDM requires careful timing and dosing to match the blood sugar patterns and needs of each woman. Insulin therapy for GDM usually involves a combination of short-acting and intermediate-acting insulin that are given before meals and at bedtime.
The timing and dosage of insulin depend on factors such as the woman’s weight, blood sugar levels, diet, activity level, and fetal growth.
Women with GDM should consult their health care provider or diabetes educator about their individualized insulin regimen.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Drink water only for 8 hours before the test.This is because the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) requires fasting for about 8 hours before the test to get accurate results.
The woman should not eat or drink anything except water during this time.
Choice A is wrong because eating a high-carbohydrate meal the night before can raise the blood glucose level and affect the test results.
Choice C is wrong because caffeine and smoking can also affect the blood glucose level and interfere with the test results.
Choice D is wrong because some medications can alter the blood glucose level and cause false-positive or false-negative results.The woman should consult her doctor about taking her usual medications before the test.
Normal ranges for OGTT vary depending on the laboratory and the type of glucose solution used.Generally, a normal fasting blood glucose level is less than 100 mg/dL, a normal 1-hour level is less than 180 mg/dL, a normal 2-hour level is less than 155 mg/dL, and a normal 3-hour level is less than 140 mg/dL.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A.“Consume regular meals and snacks to maintain stable blood glucose levels.” This is because eating at regular intervals helps prevent blood sugar spikes and drops, which can be harmful for both the mother and the baby.A healthy diet for gestational diabetes should include a variety of foods from different food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products.
Choice B is wrong because “Avoid fruits and vegetables to minimize carbohydrate intake.” Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, which are beneficial for both the mother and the baby.Carbohydrates are not bad for gestational diabetes, as long as they are complex carbohydrates that are digested slowly and do not cause rapid blood sugar spikes.Examples of complex carbohydrates are whole wheat bread, brown rice, oats, quinoa, beans, and lentils.
Choice C is wrong because “Focus on consuming high-fat foods to meet nutritional needs.” High-fat foods can increase the risk of weight gain, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease, which can complicate gestational diabetes.
Moreover, not all fats are healthy.Saturated fats and trans fats should be avoided or limited, as they can raise bad cholesterol levels and increase inflammation.Examples of saturated fats are butter, cheese, cream, fatty meats, and coconut oil.Examples of trans fats are margarine, shortening, baked goods, fried foods, and processed snacks.Healthy fats are unsaturated fats that can lower bad cholesterol levels and provide essential fatty acids.
Examples of unsaturated fats
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