A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and her partner about how to manage severe hypoglycemia at home. Which of the following actions should the nurse instruct the partner to perform first?
Offer the client a small meal if she is not nauseated.
Administer 1 mg of glucagon intramuscularly to the client.
Contact the client's provider for further instructions
Transport the client to an emergency department for treatment.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Offer the client a small meal if she is not nauseated:
While eating a small meal can help raise blood glucose levels, it is not the immediate priority in a severe hypoglycemia situation. The client might be unconscious or unable to swallow safely, making this action inappropriate as a first step.
B) Administer 1 mg of glucagon intramuscularly to the client:
Administering glucagon intramuscularly is the most crucial initial action. Glucagon rapidly increases blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogen breakdown in the liver. This is vital for quickly reversing severe hypoglycemia, especially if the client is unconscious or unable to ingest carbohydrates orally.
C) Contact the client's provider for further instructions:
Contacting the provider is essential, but it should occur after addressing the immediate hypoglycemic episode. Once the client's condition stabilizes, further guidance can be sought from the healthcare provider.
D) Transport the client to an emergency department for treatment:
Transporting the client to the emergency department is necessary if the hypoglycemia does not improve after administering glucagon or if the client remains unresponsive. However, it is not the first action; immediate glucagon administration takes precedence to stabilize the client's condition before considering transportation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Drink 8 oz of milk when hypoglycemia develops:
While consuming a fast-acting carbohydrate is important during hypoglycemia, 8 oz of milk may not be the most effective choice. Typically, glucose tablets or juice are recommended as they provide a quicker absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
B) Initiate a 1,400-calorie diet daily:
Caloric needs should be individualized based on the adolescent’s age, weight, activity level, and overall health. A fixed 1,400-calorie diet might not be appropriate for every adolescent and could lead to insufficient energy intake or excessive restriction.
C) Rotate the insulin injection site to a different area of the body with every other injection:
While rotating injection sites is important to prevent lipodystrophy, it is generally recommended to use different sites within the same area (such as different spots on the abdomen) rather than entirely different areas of the body with each injection. This ensures consistent absorption of insulin.
D) Keep unopened insulin refrigerated at 4.44° C (40° F):
Unopened insulin should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its potency until it is ready to be used. This temperature range ensures the insulin remains stable and effective for use.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Instruct the client to perform coughing exercises after meals.
Coughing exercises after meals can help clear the airways of mucus, which is beneficial for clients with COPD. Effective airway clearance is crucial to improve breathing and reduce the risk of infections. This intervention can enhance respiratory function and comfort.
B) Limit the client's fluid intake to 1,500 mL/day.
Limiting fluid intake is generally not recommended for clients with COPD unless there is a specific medical reason, such as heart failure. Adequate hydration helps keep mucus thin and easier to expectorate, which is important for respiratory health.
C) Encourage the client to sit in a chair for 1 hr several times per day.
Encouraging the client to sit in a chair helps promote mobility and prevent complications associated with prolonged bed rest. However, while sitting up can improve lung expansion, it is not the most specific or direct intervention to address dyspneic episodes.
D) Initiate oxygen therapy for the client via nasal cannula at 10 L/min.
Administering oxygen at a high flow rate like 10 L/min is not typically appropriate for clients with COPD due to the risk of depressing their respiratory drive. Oxygen therapy should be carefully titrated and monitored based on the client's needs and blood gas levels.
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