The practical nurse (PN) reports that a client who has a fingerstick glucose of 35 mg/dL (1.94 mmol/L) is alert and diaphoretic. Which action should the charge nurse take?

Reference Ranges

Glucose [Reference Range: 0 to 50 years: 74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]

Collect a blood sample for hemoglobin Alc.

Give the client a glass of orange juice.

Notify the healthcare provider.

Assess client for polyuria and polyphagia.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

In this situation, the client has a fingerstick glucose level of 35 mg/dL (1.94 mmol/L) and is alert but diaphoretic. The charge nurse should take the following action:

Give the client a glass of orange juice.

A glucose level of 35 mg/dL (1.94 mmol/L) is considered significantly low (hypoglycemia), and the client's symptoms of diaphoresis indicate that the low glucose level is likely causing the symptoms. Providing the client with a glass of orange juice or another source of fast-acting carbohydrate is appropriate to quickly raise the blood sugar level and alleviate the symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Collecting a blood sample for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is not necessary in this acute situation. HbA1c reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months and is used to assess long-term glycemic control in clients with diabetes. It does not provide immediate information or guide immediate interventions for acute hypoglycemia.

Notifying the healthcare provider is not the first action to take in this situation. The client's low glucose level can be promptly addressed by administering a source of fast-acting carbohydrate, such as orange juice. If the client's symptoms persist or worsen despite appropriate intervention, or if there are other concerning factors, then notifying the healthcare provider would be appropriate.

Assessing the client for polyuria (excessive urination) and polyphagia (excessive hunger) is important in the overall management of diabetes, but it is not the immediate action to take in this acute situation of hypoglycemia. The priority at this time is to address the low blood sugar level and relieve the client's symptoms.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. This task is beyond the scope of practice for a UAP. Calling the pharmacy to obtain medications requires clinical judgment and understanding of medication administration, which is the responsibility of licensed nursing personnel. B. This task requires assessment skills, which are beyond the scope of practice for a UAP. Determining a client's need for assistance with mobility requires clinical judgment. C. This task is appropriate to delegate to a UAP. It involves transporting an item from one location to another, which does not require clinical judgment or assessment. D. This task requires assessment skills and clinical judgment, which are beyond the scope of practice for a UAP. Evaluating a client's urinary catheter involves assessing for patency and signs of complications, which should be done by a licensed nurse.

A. Initiate a prescribed IV for parenteral fluid. B. Feed the infant 3 ounces of Isomil. C. Give the infant 5% dextrose in water orally. D. Insert a nasogastric tube for feeding.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The presenting symptoms of the infant, including persistent vomiting, poor skin turgor, significant weight loss, and a palpable abdominal mass, indicate a potential serious condition that requires immediate attention. These findings may suggest dehydration, malnutrition, and the presence of an abdominal mass that could be causing gastrointestinal obstruction or other underlying pathology.

Initiating a prescribed IV for parenteral fluid is the priority intervention to address the potential dehydration and fluid imbalance in the infant. This will help restore and maintain adequate hydration while further diagnostic evaluations and interventions are initiated.

Feeding the infant, giving 5% dextrose in water orally, or inserting a nasogastric tube for feeding should not be implemented as the first intervention in this case. It is important to stabilize the infant's fluid status before initiating oral feedings or other interventions to address the underlying cause of the symptoms.

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The practical nurse (PN) reports that a client who has a fingerstick glucose of 35 mg/dL (1.94 mmol/L) is alert and diaphoretic. Which action should the charge nurse take? Reference Ranges Glucose [Reference Range: 0 to 50 years: 74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which instruction should the nurse delegate to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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The practical nurse (PN) reports that a client who has a fingerstick glucose of 35 mg/dL (1.94 mmol/L) is alert and diaphoretic. Which action should the charge nurse take?

Reference Ranges

Glucose [Reference Range: 0 to 50 years: 74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]