The practical nurse (PN) reports to the charge nurse that a client who is receiving a parenteral nutrition infusion has a capillary glucose of 365 mg/dL (20.3 mmol/L). Which action should the charge nurse implement?
Determine if the client has a sliding scale insulin prescription.
Stop the infusion until the healthcare provider is notified.
Assess the client's urinary output for the previous 24 hours.
Review the client's record for a history of diabetes mellitus.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Determining if the client has a sliding scale insulin prescription is crucial. A sliding scale insulin regimen can help manage elevated blood glucose levels effectively. In the case of a capillary glucose of 365 mg/dL, prompt intervention is needed to prevent hyperglycaemia-related complications, and insulin administration is the most appropriate immediate action.
Choice B reason: Stopping the infusion until the healthcare provider is notified may not be the best immediate action. While it is essential to address the hyperglycaemia, halting the parenteral nutrition infusion can affect the client's overall nutritional and fluid balance. The focus should be on managing the glucose levels promptly.
Choice C reason: Assessing the client's urinary output for the previous 24 hours is important for monitoring overall fluid status and kidney function, but it does not directly address the immediate need to manage the elevated glucose levels.
Choice D reason: Reviewing the client's record for a history of diabetes mellitus can provide valuable information for long-term management and understanding the client's baseline glucose control. However, it is not the most urgent action in response to an acutely elevated capillary glucose level. Immediate intervention with insulin is needed to address the hyperglycaemia.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Pain in the lower legs when walking, also known as intermittent claudication, is a common symptom of PAD but does not indicate an immediate threat to limb viability.
Choice B reason: Black eschar over the ankle ulcer indicates necrotic tissue, which is concerning but not as immediately critical as absent pulses. It does need to be monitored and treated to prevent infection and further complications.
Choice C reason: Absent pedal pulses by Doppler indicate a significant reduction in blood flow to the lower extremities, which can lead to critical limb ischemia and requires immediate intervention to restore perfusion and prevent tissue loss.
Choice D reason: Dependent rubor (redness when the leg is in a dependent position) is a sign of poor arterial circulation but does not require as urgent intervention as absent pedal pulses.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Calling the postanesthetic care unit (PACU) nurse to prepare for prolonged ventilatory support is important in certain situations. However, in this case, the client's immediate concern is the extremely high temperature, which needs to be addressed urgently.
Choice B reason: Determining if prescribed antibiotics were administered preoperatively is a standard procedure, but it is not relevant to the acute situation of muscle rigidity and extremely high temperature caused by succinylcholine. The nurse should focus on immediate cooling measures.
Choice C reason: Holding a prescription for dantrolene until the fever is reduced is not appropriate. Dantrolene is actually used to treat malignant hyperthermia, which is characterized by muscle rigidity and a high temperature. It should be administered immediately in such cases.
Choice D reason: Preparing ice packs for placement in the client's axillary area is a direct and immediate action to help reduce the client's extremely high temperature. Cooling measures are crucial to manage hyperthermia and prevent further complications.
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