An overweight young adult diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus is admitted for a hernia repair.
The patient reports feeling very weak and jittery.
What actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply)
Check fingerstick glucose level.
Assess skin temperature and moisture.
Administer a PRN dose of regular insulin.
Document anxiety on the surgical checklist.
Measure pulse and blood pressure.
Correct Answer : A,B,E
Choice A rationale
Checking the fingerstick glucose level is an immediate action that the nurse should take when a patient with type 2 diabetes reports feeling weak and jittery. These symptoms could indicate hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by low blood sugar levels.
Choice B rationale
Assessing skin temperature and moisture can help the nurse determine if the patient is sweating, a common symptom of hypoglycemia.
Choice C rationale
Administering a PRN dose of regular insulin is not the appropriate action if the patient is experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia. Insulin would further lower the patient’s blood sugar levels, potentially worsening their condition.
Choice D rationale
Documenting anxiety on the surgical checklist may not be immediately helpful in addressing the patient’s current symptoms. While it’s important to document all relevant information, the nurse’s immediate focus should be on assessing and managing the patient’s symptoms.
Choice E rationale
Measuring pulse and blood pressure can provide important information about the patient’s cardiovascular status. Hypoglycemia can cause tachycardia and potentially hypotension, so these vital signs should be monitored.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Maintaining the prescribed fluid restriction is crucial in the management of SIADH. Fluid restriction helps to prevent further dilution of sodium in the blood, which can exacerbate the symptoms of SIADH34.
Choice B rationale
Withholding the next scheduled dose of treatment is not necessarily the appropriate intervention based on the increase in serum sodium level. The treatment plan should be adjusted based on the patient’s overall clinical picture and in consultation with the healthcare provider.
Choice C rationale
Increasing neurologic checks to every 2 hours is not directly related to the increase in serum sodium level. While neurologic checks are important in monitoring the overall health status of the patient, they are not specifically indicated based on the serum sodium level alone.
Choice D rationale
Assessing for increasing fluid volume overload is not the appropriate intervention based on the increase in serum sodium level. SIADH is characterized by water retention, not fluid volume overload.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The client’s presentation of chest pain radiating to the left arm, shortness of breath, and diaphoresis are classic symptoms of a myocardial infarction (heart attack)56. Morphine is often administered in this situation to relieve pain and reduce the workload of the heart.
Choice B rationale
Oxycodone is a strong opioid medication used to treat severe pain. However, it is not typically the first choice for pain relief in the setting of a suspected heart attack.
Choice C rationale
Hydromorphone is another strong opioid medication used to treat severe pain. Like oxycodone, it is not typically the first choice for pain relief in the setting of a suspected heart attack.
Choice D rationale
Fentanyl is a potent opioid pain reliever. While it can be used in the management of severe pain, it is not typically the first choice for pain relief in the setting of a suspected heart attack.
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