A school nurse is assessing an adolescent who reports feeling shaky and is having difficulty speaking and concentrating on the questions the nurse is asking. The nurse checks the adolescent's blood glucose level and identifies a value of 55 mg/dL. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Polyuria
Deep rapid respirations
Dry, flushed skin
Tachycardia
The Correct Answer is D
A. Polyuria (excessive urination) is not a symptom of hypoglycemia; it is more commonly associated with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
B. Deep rapid respirations are more characteristic of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of uncontrolled diabetes that leads to high blood sugar levels and metabolic acidosis.
C. Dry, flushed skin is not a typical symptom of hypoglycemia; it might be associated with conditions like dehydration or heat exposure, but not with low blood sugar.
D. Tachycardia
Explanation: The symptoms described by the adolescent (feeling shaky, difficulty speaking, difficulty concentrating) along with a blood glucose level of 55 mg/dL indicate hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar. Tachycardia, or a rapid heart rate, is a common physiological response to hypoglycemia. The body increases the heart rate in an attempt to improve blood flow and deliver glucose to the brain and other vital organs. This is part of the body's fight-or-flight response to low blood sugar.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Levothyroxine
Correct Answer: Levothyroxine should be administered before breakfast.
Explanation: Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism. It needs to be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating, to ensure proper absorption. Food can interfere with its absorption, especially foods containing calcium, iron, and fiber.
B. Digoxin
Incorrect Explanation: Digoxin does not need to be administered before breakfast.
Explanation: Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart conditions like congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation. It doesn't have specific instructions regarding administration in relation to meals. It's important to administer digoxin consistently at the same time every day, but it doesn't need to be taken specifically before or after breakfast.
C. Divalproex
Incorrect Explanation: Divalproex does not need to be administered before breakfast.
Explanation: Divalproex is used to treat conditions like epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It can be taken with or without food. While taking it with food might reduce the likelihood of stomach upset, there's no requirement to take it specifically before breakfast.
D. Mycostatin Mouthwash
Incorrect Explanation: Mycostatin mouthwash is not related to breakfast timing.
Explanation: Mycostatin is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections in the mouth (oral thrush). Its administration is not linked to meal times. It's typically swished around in the mouth and then swallowed or spit out, depending on the specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Heat intolerance.
Explanation: This statement is true. Heat intolerance is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism, including Graves' disease. People with hyperthyroidism often have an overactive thyroid gland that produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormones. This can lead to an increased metabolic rate, which in turn makes them sensitive to heat. They may feel excessively warm, sweat more than usual, and have difficulty tolerating hot weather.
B) Weight gain.
Explanation: This statement is false. Weight gain is not a typical finding in Graves' disease or hyperthyroidism. In fact, one of the hallmark symptoms of hyperthyroidism is unexplained weight loss despite increased appetite. The elevated levels of thyroid hormones cause an increase in metabolism, leading to weight loss.
C) Bradycardia.
Explanation: This statement is false. Bradycardia refers to an abnormally slow heart rate, typically below 60 beats per minute. In hyperthyroidism, the heart rate is often elevated rather than slowed down. The excessive thyroid hormones can lead to an increased heart rate (tachycardia) and palpitations. It's important to note that if the question were about hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), bradycardia might be more relevant.
D) Lethargy.
Explanation: This statement is false. Lethargy, or a state of extreme tiredness and lack of energy, is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) rather than hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism usually leads to symptoms of increased energy, restlessness, and hyperactivity due to the elevated metabolic rate caused by excess thyroid hormones.
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