A patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type 2 diabetes has been treated for pneumonia for the past week. The patient has been receiving intravenous corticosteroids as well as antibiotics as part of his therapy. At this time, the pneumonia has resolved, but when monitoring the blood glucose levels, the nurse notices that the level is still elevated. What is the best explanation for this elevation?

The hypoxia caused by the COPD causes an increased need for insulin.

The corticosteroids may cause an increase in glucose levels.

The antibiotics may cause an increase in glucose levels.

His type 2 diabetes has converted to type 1.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because hypoxia does not cause an increased need for insulin, but rather a decreased utilization of glucose by the cells. Hypoxia can also impair the secretion of insulin by the pancreas.

Choice B reason: This is correct because corticosteroids are known to cause hyperglycemia by stimulating gluconeogenesis, inhibiting glucose uptake, and increasing insulin resistance. The patient may need to adjust his insulin dose or switch to oral antidiabetic agents while on corticosteroid therapy.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because antibiotics do not cause an increase in glucose levels, unless they are combined with other drugs that affect glucose metabolism, such as sulfonamides or fluoroquinolones.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because type 2 diabetes does not convert to type 1 diabetes, as they are different types of diabetes with different causes and mechanisms. Type 1 diabetes is caused by autoimmune destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas, resulting in absolute insulin deficiency. Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: You should avoid alcohol intake while taking codeine, not limit it to 12 ounces daily. Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and respiratory depression.

Choice B reason: You should not expect to experience diarrhea while taking codeine. Codeine can cause constipation, not diarrhea. You should increase your fluid and fiber intake and use laxatives as prescribed to prevent constipation.

Choice C reason: You should not take the medication on an empty stomach to prevent nausea. Codeine can cause nausea and vomiting, especially on an empty stomach. You should take the medication with food or milk to reduce nausea.

Choice D reason: You should change positions slowly while taking codeine. Codeine can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up. This can cause dizziness, fainting, and falls. You should change positions slowly and use caution when walking or climbing stairs.

A. Tremors B. Polydipsia C. Confusion D. Polyphagia E. Polyuria

Correct Answer is ["A","C"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: Tremors are a common sign of hypoglycemia, which occurs when the blood glucose level drops below 70 mg/dL. Hypoglycemia can cause shakiness, nervousness, and anxiety.

Choice B reason: Polydipsia, or excessive thirst, is not a manifestation of hypoglycemia, but rather of hyperglycemia, which occurs when the blood glucose level is too high. Hyperglycemia can cause dehydration, dry mouth, and increased urination.

Choice C reason: Confusion is another common sign of hypoglycemia, which can affect the brain's function and cognition. Hypoglycemia can cause dizziness, headache, difficulty concentrating, and impaired judgment.

Choice D reason: Polyphagia, or excessive hunger, is also not a manifestation of hypoglycemia, but rather of hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia can cause the body to break down muscle and fat for energy, resulting in weight loss and increased appetite.

Choice E reason: Polyuria, or excessive urination, is also not a manifestation of hypoglycemia, but rather of hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia can cause the kidneys to excrete excess glucose in the urine, leading to fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for codeine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The nurse should recognize that the client understands the teaching when he identifies which of the following as manifestations of hypoglycemia? (Select all that apply)

Correct Answer is ["A","C"]

Explanation

When a patient is taking an adrenergic agonist drug, the nurse expects to observe which effect?

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has osteoporosis and a new prescription for alendronate. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse instruct the client to report to the provider? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is teaching a client who has diabetes mellitus and a new prescription for glimepiride. The nurse should teach the client to avoid which of the following drinks while taking this medication?

A nurse is caring for a client who has nephrotic syndrome and is receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy. For which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse monitor?

A nurse is teaching a client who has asthma about how to use an albuterol inhaler. Which of the following actions by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

During a follow-up visit, a patient who has been on estrogen therapy admits that she has continued to smoke cigarettes. The nurse will remind the patient that smoking while on estrogen may lead to increased:

A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for codeine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A woman visits a health center requesting oral contraceptives. Which laboratory test is most important for the nurse to assess before the patient begins oral contraceptive therapy?