The nurse is caring for a female client with type 2 diabetes mellitus who exhibits confusion, light-headedness, and aberrant behavior. The client is still conscious. The nurse should first administer:
15 to 20 g of a fast-acting carbohydrate such as orange juice.
I.V. bolus of dextrose 50%.
I.M. or subcutaneous glucagon.
10 U of fast-acting insulin
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Monitoring the patient's breathing and reviewing the patient's arterial blood gases:
Rationale: While respiratory status is crucial in any patient assessment, arterial blood gases primarily evaluate respiratory function. Neutropenia directly affects the immune system, not respiratory function.
Appropriateness: Not directly related to assessing neutropenia.
B. Monitoring the patient's temperature and reviewing the patient's complete blood count with differential:
Rationale: Neutropenia can cause fever due to the increased risk of infection. Monitoring temperature and reviewing the complete blood count (CBC) with differential, specifically the neutrophil count, is essential in evaluating neutropenia and identifying potential infections.
Appropriateness: Correct. Monitoring temperature and reviewing CBC with differential are crucial in assessing neutropenia.
C. Monitoring the patient's blood pressure and reviewing the patient's hematocrit:
Rationale: Blood pressure assessment and hematocrit evaluation are essential aspects of general patient care but are not specific to neutropenia.
Appropriateness: Not directly related to assessing neutropenia.
D. Monitoring the patient's heart rate and reviewing the patient's hemoglobin:
Rationale: Heart rate monitoring and hemoglobin assessment are crucial in various clinical situations but are not specific indicators of neutropenia.
Appropriateness: Not directly related to assessing neutropenia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Metabolic Alkalosis:
pH: Elevated (alkalotic).
PaCO2: Normal or slightly decreased (compensation may or may not be present).
HCO3: Elevated.
Explanation: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an excess of bicarbonate (HCO3) in the blood, leading to an elevated pH. In this case, the elevated pH and HCO3 levels suggest that the primary imbalance is metabolic alkalosis.
B. Respiratory Alkalosis:
pH: Elevated (alkalotic).
PaCO2: Decreased (due to hyperventilation, which blows off CO2).
HCO3: Normal or slightly decreased (compensation).
Explanation: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by low levels of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) due to hyperventilation. However, in the provided ABG, the PaCO2 is not significantly decreased, suggesting that respiratory alkalosis is not the primary issue.
C. Respiratory Acidosis:
pH: Decreased (acidotic).
PaCO2: Increased (due to inadequate ventilation).
HCO3: Normal or slightly elevated (compensation).
Explanation: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by an increase in carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels. In this case, the PaCO2 is within the normal range, indicating that respiratory acidosis is not the primary problem.
D. Metabolic Acidosis:
pH: Decreased (acidotic).
PaCO2: Normal or slightly decreased (compensation).
HCO3: Decreased.
Explanation: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in bicarbonate (HCO3) levels. In this ABG, the HCO3 is elevated, ruling out metabolic acidosis as the primary issue.
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