An occupational health nurse is screen a group of workers for diabetes. What statement should the nurse interpret as being suggestive of diabetes?

A. 15 to 20 g of a fast-acting carbohydrate such as orange juice:
This is a standard and initial treatment for hypoglycemia. Fast-acting carbohydrates, like orange juice or glucose tablets, can quickly raise blood sugar levels. However, in the scenario described, the client is still conscious, and glucagon may be a more appropriate choice.

B. I.V. bolus of dextrose 50%:
Intravenous (IV) dextrose is a more aggressive intervention and is typically reserved for severe cases of hypoglycemia or for unconscious patients. It is not the first-line treatment for conscious patients.

C. I.M. or subcutaneous glucagon:
Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood sugar levels by promoting the conversion of stored glycogen in the liver to glucose. It is administered either intramuscularly (I.M.) or subcutaneously. In a conscious patient with hypoglycemia who cannot take oral carbohydrates, glucagon can be an effective and rapid way to raise blood sugar levels.

D. 10 U of fast-acting insulin:
Administering more insulin in a situation of hypoglycemia would worsen the condition. The goal in hypoglycemia is to raise blood sugar, and giving more insulin would have the opposite effect.

A. "Diet, exercise, and oral medications can be effective. I will ask the physician to prescribe Metformin":
Explanation: This statement is not accurate for type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes results from the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin, so oral medications like Metformin, which work to increase insulin sensitivity or reduce glucose production in the liver, are not effective. Insulin replacement is the mainstay of treatment for type 1 diabetes.

B. "Your body does not produce insulin, and the only treatment is injected insulin":
Explanation: This is the correct statement. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce insulin or produces very little, and insulin cannot be taken orally because it would be broken down in the digestive system. Therefore, injections are the primary and necessary mode of insulin delivery.

C. "Glucophage can help your body better utilize the insulin secreted by the pancreas":
Explanation: This statement is more applicable to type 2 diabetes, where the pancreas may still produce insulin, but the body's cells are resistant to its effects. In type 1 diabetes, the issue is a lack of insulin production, so medications to improve insulin utilization are not relevant.

D. "Initially, you will need injections, but after your body adjusts to the insulin, you can switch to Metformin":
Explanation: This is not accurate for type 1 diabetes. The need for insulin in type 1 diabetes is not something the body adjusts to over time. Insulin is a lifelong requirement for individuals with type 1 diabetes, and it cannot be replaced by oral medications like Metformin.