In terms of the incidence and classification of diabetes, maternity nurses should know that:
Type 1 diabetes is most common
Type 2 diabetes often goes undiagnosed
Type 1 diabetes may become type 2 during pregnancy
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) means that the woman will be receiving insulin treatment until 6 weeks after birth
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Type 1 diabetes is not the most common type of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin, which is a hormone that regulates the blood glucose level. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in childhood or adolescence and requires lifelong insulin therapy. Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5% to 10% of all cases of diabetes.
Choice B rationale
Type 2 diabetes often goes undiagnosed. Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body becomes resistant to the action of insulin or the pancreas produces insufficient insulin. Type 2 diabetes usually develops in adulthood and is associated with obesity, physical inactivity, and family history. Type 2 diabetes can be managed with diet, exercise, oral medications, or insulin. Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% to 95% of all cases of diabetes. However, many people with type 2 diabetes do not have any symptoms or are unaware of their condition, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and complications.
Choice C rationale
Type 1 diabetes cannot become type 2 during pregnancy. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are different conditions with different causes and treatments. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, while type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that impairs the insulin sensitivity or secretion. Type 1 diabetes cannot be reversed or prevented, while type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with lifestyle changes.
Choice D rationale
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) does not mean that the woman will be receiving insulin treatment until 6 weeks after birth. GDM is a condition where the blood glucose level becomes elevated during pregnancy, usually after 24 weeks of gestation. GDM can cause complications for the mother and the fetus, such as preeclampsia, macrosomia, and neonatal hypoglycemia. GDM can be managed with diet, exercise, oral medications, or insulin. GDM usually resolves after delivery, but the woman should be tested for diabetes 6 to 12 weeks postpartum, as she has a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
This is incorrect because monitoring vital signs every 5 min is not the priority action. The client's blood pressure is low, indicating hypotension, which is a common complication of epidural anesthesia. Hypotension can compromise the placental blood flow and fetal oxygenation, so the nurse should act quickly to correct it.
Choice B rationale
This is incorrect because elevating the client's legs is not the priority action. Elevating the legs can increase venous return and cardiac output, but it can also worsen the hypotension by pooling blood in the lower extremities. The nurse should lower the head of the bed and place the client in a lateral position to improve blood pressure and fetal perfusion.
Choice C rationale
This is incorrect because notifying the provider is not the priority action. The nurse should first implement interventions to correct the hypotension, such as placing the client in a lateral position, administering oxygen, and increasing IV fluids. The nurse should notify the provider after stabilizing the client's condition or if the interventions are ineffective.
Choice D rationale
This is correct because placing the client in a lateral position is the priority action. This helps to relieve the pressure of the gravid uterus on the inferior vena cava and improve venous return, cardiac output, and blood pressure. It also enhances placental blood flow and fetal oxygenation, which are vital for a successful labor and delivery.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring the fetal heart rate and movement is an important nursing intervention for this client. The client is at risk of fetal distress due to the high blood pressure, the preeclampsia, and the gestational diabetes. The fetal heart rate and movement can indicate the fetal well-being and oxygenation. The nurse should monitor the fetal heart rate continuously and perform a nonstress test or a biophysical profile as indicated.
Choice B rationale
Administering magnesium sulfate as prescribed is an important nursing intervention for this client. The client is at risk of seizures due to the severe preeclampsia. Magnesium sulfate is a medication that prevents and treats seizures in preeclamptic clients. The nurse should administer magnesium sulfate as prescribed and monitor the client's vital signs, reflexes, urine output, and magnesium level.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging the client to drink plenty of fluids is not an important nursing intervention for this client. The client is at risk of fluid overload due to the high blood pressure and the preeclampsia. Fluid overload can cause pulmonary edema, heart failure, and cerebral edema in the client. The nurse should restrict the client's fluid intake and monitor the client's weight, edema, and lung sounds.
Choice D rationale
Educating the client about the signs of preterm labor is not an important nursing intervention for this client. The client is at 34 weeks of gestation, which is close to the term pregnancy. The client is more likely to have a planned delivery or an induction of labor due to the high-risk conditions. The nurse should educate the client about the signs of preeclampsia, such as headache, blurred vision, epigastric pain, and decreased urine output.
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