Teaching a patient who has hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS). Which of the following topics should be prioritized?
The nurse is caring for a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus who has been prescribed doses of insulin.
Monitoring blood glucose levels
Recognizing signs and symptoms of HHS
Administering insulin correctly
Understanding the importance of hydration
Managing diet and nutrition
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial for managing diabetes, but in the context of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS), recognizing the signs and symptoms is more critical. HHS is a serious condition characterized by extremely high blood sugar levels without significant ketoacidosis. Early recognition of symptoms such as extreme thirst, frequent urination, confusion, and weakness can prevent complications and prompt timely medical intervention.
Choice B Reason:
Recognizing signs and symptoms of HHS is the most important topic to prioritize. HHS can develop gradually and may be life-threatening if not identified and treated promptly. Patients and caregivers need to be aware of the warning signs to seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms include severe dehydration, altered mental status, and very high blood glucose levels. Educating patients on these signs ensures they can act quickly to prevent severe outcomes.
Choice C Reason:
Administering insulin correctly is essential for managing diabetes, but it is not the top priority in the context of HHS education. While proper insulin administration helps control blood glucose levels, the immediate concern in HHS is recognizing the condition’s onset. Once HHS is identified, insulin administration becomes part of the treatment plan, but early detection is key to preventing severe complications.
Choice D Reason:
Understanding the importance of hydration is important because dehydration is a significant component of HHS. Patients with HHS often experience severe dehydration due to high blood glucose levels leading to osmotic diuresis. Educating patients on maintaining adequate hydration can help manage their condition and prevent the onset of HHS. However, recognizing the symptoms of HHS remains the top priority.
Choice E Reason:
Managing diet and nutrition is a fundamental aspect of diabetes care, but it is not the primary focus when dealing with HHS. While a balanced diet helps maintain stable blood glucose levels, the immediate concern in HHS is identifying and responding to the condition’s symptoms. Once HHS is recognized and treated, dietary management becomes part of the long-term care plan.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, is not a direct cause of central diabetes insipidus. Central diabetes insipidus is primarily related to issues with the production or release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. Hypokalemia can affect kidney function but does not typically cause central diabetes insipidus.
Choice B Reason:
Surgery, particularly brain surgery, can cause central diabetes insipidus by damaging the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. These structures are crucial for the production and release of ADH, which regulates water balance in the body. Damage to these areas during surgery can lead to a deficiency in ADH, resulting in central diabetes insipidus.
Choice C Reason:
Renal failure is not a cause of central diabetes insipidus. While renal failure affects the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and balance fluids, central diabetes insipidus is related to a deficiency in ADH production or release. Renal failure can lead to other types of diabetes insipidus, such as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, where the kidneys do not respond properly to ADH.
Choice D Reason:
Sickle cell disease is not a direct cause of central diabetes insipidus. Sickle cell disease primarily affects red blood cells and can lead to various complications, including kidney damage. However, it does not typically cause central diabetes insipidus, which is related to issues with ADH production or release.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hypertension is not directly caused by hypokalemia. While potassium levels can influence blood pressure, hypokalemia is more critically associated with cardiac issues rather than hypertension alone.
Choice B reason: Ketosis is a metabolic state resulting from the body burning fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. It is not directly related to hypokalemia. Hypokalemia does not cause ketosis, and monitoring for ketosis in a client with hypokalemia is not a priority.
Choice C reason: Insulin resistance is a condition where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin. While potassium levels can affect insulin secretion and action, hypokalemia is not primarily associated with insulin resistance. Therefore, it is not the main concern for a nurse monitoring a client with hypokalemia.
Choice D reason: Cardiac arrhythmias are a significant concern in clients with hypokalemia. Potassium is crucial for proper cardiac function, and low levels can lead to abnormal heart rhythms. This is why monitoring for cardiac arrhythmias is essential in clients with hypokalemia.
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