The practical nurse (PN) is caring for an adolescent with type 1 diabetes mellitus who presents with an HbA1c of 11% (97 mmol/mol), thirst, and blurred vision.
Which action should the PN take first?
Review prior insulin prescriptions.
Check blood pressure.
Obtain point-of-care glucose.
Assess urine for ketones.
The Correct Answer is C
The first action the PN should take is to obtain a point-of-care glucose test. This will provide immediate information about the patient's blood sugar level and help guide further interventions.
Option A, reviewing prior insulin prescriptions, is important but not the first priority.
Option B, checking blood pressure, is also important but not the most immediate concern.
Option D, assessing urine for ketones, can provide useful information about the presence of ketones in the urine, which can indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, but it is not the first action that should be taken.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The most important behaviors for the practical nurse (PN) to monitor in this situation are argumentativeness and use of profanity. These behaviors may indicate that the client is becoming agitated and may pose a risk to themselves or others. The PN should closely monitor the client's behavior and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of the client and others on the unit. The other behaviors listed may also be important to monitor, but argumentativeness and use of profanity are the most important in this situation
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. If euglycemia, or normal blood glucose levels, is not maintained during pregnancy, the fetus can be at risk for a number of complications. The greatest risk to the fetus in this situation is the development of a macrosomic newborn, or a newborn that is significantly larger than average. This occurs because the excess glucose in the mother's bloodstream is passed on to the fetus, leading to excessive fetal growth.
Macrosomia can lead to complications during delivery, such as shoulder dystocia, and can increase the risk of injury to both the mother and the baby. While low birth weight and preterm birth are also potential complications of GDM, macrosomia is considered the greatest risk to the fetus if euglycemia is not maintained. Cleft palate is not typically associated with GDM.
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