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?

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.

A. The fact that the patient is male

Incorrect Explanation: The patient's gender does not directly provide important information about the history of reflux.

Explanation: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), which is the retrograde flow of urine from the bladder into the ureters, can affect individuals of any gender. While gender might have some implications for certain conditions, it is not a critical factor in understanding the history of reflux.

B. The fact that the patient is female.

Incorrect Explanation: The patient's gender does not directly provide important information about the history of reflux.

Explanation: Just like with the previous option, the patient's gender does not play a significant role in the history of vesicoureteral reflux. The condition can affect both males and females.

C. Developmental milestones

Correct Explanation: Developmental milestones are important in understanding the history of reflux.

Explanation: Developmental milestones are significant because VUR is more common in infants and young children. Infants and young children have a higher likelihood of developing reflux due to the immaturity of their urinary tract systems. Knowing about the patient's developmental milestones can help assess the risk and potential severity of reflux.

D. The number of urinary tract infections the patient has had

Correct Explanation: The number of urinary tract infections (UTIs) is important in understanding the history of reflux.

Explanation: Repeated urinary tract infections can be a sign of vesicoureteral reflux. The backflow of urine from the bladder into the ureters can contribute to UTIs. Monitoring the frequency of UTIs can provide insights into the presence and severity of reflux.