A nurse is reinforcing teaching about preventing long-term complications of retinopathy and neuropathy with an older adult client who has diabetes mellitus. Which of the following actions is the most important for the nurse to include in the teaching?
“Wear closed-toed shoes daily.”
“Maintain stable blood glucose levels.”
“Plan to have an eye examination once per year.”
“Examine your feet carefully every day.”
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Wearing closed-toed shoes daily is a good practice for people with diabetes, as it can protect the feet from injuries and infections. However, it is not the most important action for preventing long-term complications of retinopathy and neuropathy. These complications are mainly caused by high blood glucose levels that damage the blood vessels and nerves in the eyes and feet.
Choice B reason: Maintaining stable blood glucose levels is the most important action for preventing long-term complications of retinopathy and neuropathy. High blood glucose levels can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, which impair the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the eyes and feet. This can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy) and vision loss (retinopathy) over time. Keeping blood glucose levels within the target range can reduce the risk of these complications and slow down their progression if they already exist.
Choice C reason: Planning to have an eye examination once per year is a recommended action for people with diabetes, as it can help detect and treat retinopathy before it causes irreversible damage to the retina. However, it is not the most important action for preventing long-term complications of retinopathy and neuropathy. Eye examinations cannot prevent retinopathy from occurring or worsening; they can only monitor its status and provide appropriate interventions.
Choice D reason: Examining your feet carefully every day is another recommended action for people with diabetes, as it can help identify and treat any signs of neuropathy, such as numbness, tingling, pain, or ulcers. However, it is not the most important action for preventing long-term complications of retinopathy and neuropathy. Foot examinations cannot prevent neuropathy from occurring or worsening; they can only monitor its status and provide appropriate care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Ketoacidosis. This is incorrect because ketoacidosis is a complication of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. Ketoacidosis occurs when the body breaks down fat for energy due to insufficient insulin, resulting in the accumulation of ketones and acids in the blood. Ketoacidosis can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fruity breath odor, deep and rapid breathing, and altered mental status.
Choice B: Hyperglycemia. This is incorrect because hyperglycemia is a condition of high blood glucose, not low blood glucose. Hyperglycemia can occur due to insufficient insulin, excessive carbohydrate intake, infection, stress, or illness. Hyperglycemia can cause symptoms such as polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, blurred vision, fatigue, and headache.
Choice C: Hypoglycemia. This is correct because hypoglycemia is a condition of low blood glucose, which can occur due to excessive insulin, inadequate carbohydrate intake, exercise, alcohol consumption, or medication interactions. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as sweating, tachycardia, palpitations, tremors, hunger, anxiety, confusion, dizziness, weakness, and seizures.
Choice D: Nephropathy. This is incorrect because nephropathy is a complication of chronic hyperglycemia, not acute hypoglycemia. Nephropathy is a kidney disease that results from damage to the small blood vessels and glomeruli in the kidneys due to high blood glucose levels. Nephropathy can cause symptoms such as proteinuria, edema, hypertension, and renal failure.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Shock is not a cause of acute pancreatitis, but a possible complication of severe cases that can lead to organ failure and death.
Choice B reason: Gallstones are one of the major causes of acute pancreatitis, as they can block the pancreatic duct and prevent the flow of digestive enzymes, leading to inflammation and damage of the pancreas.
Choice C reason: Diabetes mellitus is not a cause of acute pancreatitis, but a possible complication of chronic pancreatitis, as the damage to the pancreas can impair its ability to produce insulin and regulate blood sugar levels.
Choice D reason: GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is not a cause of acute pancreatitis, but a condition that affects the lower esophageal sphincter and allows stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
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