A nurse is caring for a client with diabetes mellitus who is prescribed regular insulin via a sliding scale. After administering the correct dose at 0715, the nurse should ensure the client receives breakfast at which of the following times?

 

Choice A reason:

Bradycardia: Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not typically associated with diabetes insipidus. Diabetes insipidus primarily affects the body’s ability to regulate fluid balance, leading to excessive urination and thirst. Bradycardia is more commonly related to conditions affecting the heart or the autonomic nervous system.

Choice B reason:

Hyperglycemia: Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a hallmark of diabetes mellitus, not diabetes insipidus. Diabetes insipidus is characterized by the kidneys’ inability to concentrate urine, leading to large volumes of dilute urine and increased thirst3. Hyperglycemia is not a symptom of diabetes insipidus.

Choice C reason:

Dehydration: Dehydration is a common and significant finding in diabetes insipidus. Due to the excessive loss of water through urine, individuals with diabetes insipidus often experience severe thirst and dehydration if they do not consume enough fluids to compensate for the loss. This is a key symptom that helps differentiate diabetes insipidus from other conditions.

Choice D reason:

Polyphagia: Polyphagia, or excessive hunger, is typically associated with diabetes mellitus, particularly when blood sugar levels are high and the body’s cells are not receiving adequate glucose. In diabetes insipidus, the primary symptoms are related to fluid imbalance, such as excessive urination (polyuria) and thirst (polydipsia), rather than hunger.

Choice A reason:

Don sterile gloves: While it is important to maintain cleanliness, sterile gloves are not necessary for administering a suppository. Clean, non-sterile gloves are sufficient to prevent infection and ensure hygiene.

Choice B reason:

Position the client supine with knees bent: The correct position for administering a suppository is the left lateral (Sims) position, not supine with knees bent. The left lateral position allows for easier access to the rectum and helps the suppository stay in place.

Choice C reason:

Use a rectal applicator for insertion: Suppositories are typically inserted using a gloved finger, not a rectal applicator. The gloved finger allows for better control and ensures the suppository is placed correctly.

Choice D reason:

Insert the suppository just beyond the internal sphincter: This is correct. The suppository should be inserted past the internal sphincter to ensure it stays in place and can dissolve properly. This placement helps the medication to be absorbed effectively.

Choice E reason:

Lubricate the index finger: Lubricating the index finger is essential to make the insertion process smoother and more comfortable for the client. It helps prevent trauma to the rectal mucosa and ensures the suppository is inserted easily.