Chapter 46: Assessment and Management of Patients with Diabetes

When administering insulin to a client with type 1 diabetes, which of the following would be most important for the nurse to keep in mind? Area for insulin injection Technique for injecting Duration of the insulin Accuracy of the dosage

Accuracy of the dosage Explanation: The measurement of insulin is most important and must be accurate because clients may be sensitive to minute dose changes. The duration, area, and technique for injecting should also to be noted.

NPH is an example of which type of insulin? Rapid-acting Long-acting Short-acting Intermediate-acting

Intermediate-acting Explanation: NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin.

A client with diabetes is receiving an oral antidiabetic agent that acts to help the tissues use available insulin more efficiently. Which of the following agents would the nurse expect to administer? Glipizide Metformin Glyburide Repaglinide

Metformin Explanation: Metformin is a biguanide and along with the thiazolidinediones (rosiglitazone and pioglitazone) are categorized as insulin sensitizers; they help tissues use available insulin more efficiently. Glyburide and glipizide which are sulfonylureas, and repaglinide, a meglitinide, are described as being insulin releasers because they stimulate the pancreas to secrete more insulin.

A client is admitted to the unit with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which insulin would the nurse expect to administer intravenously? Regular Glargine NPH Lente

Regular Explanation: Regular insulin is administered intravenously to treat DKA. It is added to an IV solution and infused continuously. Glargine, NPH, and Lente are only administered subcutaneously.

A client with status asthmaticus requires endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Twenty-four hours after intubation, the client is started on the insulin infusion protocol. The nurse must monitor the client's blood glucose levels hourly and watch for which early signs and symptoms associated with hypoglycemia? Bradycardia, thirst, and anxiety Dry skin, bradycardia, and somnolence Polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia Sweating, tremors, and tachycardia

Sweating, tremors, and tachycardia Explanation: Sweating, tremors, and tachycardia, thirst, and anxiety are early signs of hypoglycemia. Dry skin, bradycardia, and somnolence are signs and symptoms associated with hypothyroidism. Polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia are signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus.

A client with type 1 diabetes asks the nurse about taking an oral antidiabetic agent. The nurse explains that these medications are effective only if the client: prefers to take insulin orally. has type 2 diabetes. has type 1 diabetes. is pregnant and has type 2 diabetes.

has type 2 diabetes. Explanation: Oral antidiabetic agents are effective only in adult clients with type 2 diabetes. Oral antidiabetic agents aren't effective in type 1 diabetes. Pregnant and lactating women aren't ordered oral antidiabetic agents because the effect on the fetus or breast-fed infant is uncertain.

An agitated, confused client arrives in the emergency department. The client's history includes type 1 diabetes, hypertension, and angina pectoris. Assessment reveals pallor, diaphoresis, headache, and intense hunger. A stat blood glucose sample measures 42 mg/dl, and the client is treated for an acute hypoglycemic reaction. After recovery, the nurse teaches the client to treat hypoglycemia by ingesting: 10 to 15 g of a simple carbohydrate. 25 to 30 g of a simple carbohydrate. 2 to 5 g of a simple carbohydrate. 18 to 20 g of a simple carbohydrate.

10 to 15 g of a simple carbohydrate. Explanation: To reverse hypoglycemia, the American Diabetes Association recommends ingesting 10 to 15 g of a simple carbohydrate, such as three to five pieces of hard candy, two to three packets of sugar (4 to 6 tsp), or 4 oz of fruit juice. Then the client should check his blood glucose after 15 minutes. If necessary, this treatment may be repeated in 15 minutes. Ingesting only 2 to 5 g of a simple carbohydrate may not raise the blood glucose level sufficiently. Ingesting more than 15 g may raise it above normal, causing hyperglycemia.

A nurse is caring for a client with type 1 diabetes who exhibits confusion, light-headedness, and aberrant behavior. The client is conscious. The nurse should first administer: 10 units of fast-acting insulin. I.M. or subcutaneous glucagon. I.V. bolus of dextrose 50%. 15 to 20 g of a fast-acting carbohydrate such as orange juice.

15 to 20 g of a fast-acting carbohydrate such as orange juice. Explanation: This client is experiencing hypoglycemia. Because the client is conscious, the nurse should first administer a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as orange juice, hard candy, or honey. If the client has lost consciousness, the nurse should administer I.M. or subcutaneous glucagon or an I.V. bolus of dextrose 50%. The nurse shouldn't administer insulin to a client who's hypoglycemic; this action will further compromise the client's condition.

A nurse is caring for a diabetic patient with a diagnosis of nephropathy. What would the nurse expect the urinalysis report to indicate? Albumin White blood cells Red blood cells Bacteria

Albumin Explanation: Nephropathy, or kidney disease secondary to diabetic microvascular changes in the kidney, is a common complication of diabetes. Consistent elevation of blood glucose levels stresses the kidney's filtration mechanism, allowing blood proteins to leak into the urine and thus increasing the pressure in the blood vessels of the kidney. Albumin is one of the most important blood proteins that leak into the urine, and its leakage is among the earliest signs that can be detected. Clinical nephropathy eventually develops in more than 85% of people with microalbuminuria but in fewer than 5% of people without microalbuminuria. The urine should be checked annually for the presence of proteins, which would include microalbumin.

A client's blood glucose level is 45 mg/dl. The nurse should be alert for which signs and symptoms? Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and weight loss Polyuria, polydipsia, hypotension, and hypernatremia Kussmaul respirations, dry skin, hypotension, and bradycardia Coma, anxiety, confusion, headache, and cool, moist skin

Coma, anxiety, confusion, headache, and cool, moist skin Explanation: Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia (indicated by a blood glucose level of 45 mg/dl) include anxiety, restlessness, headache, irritability, confusion, diaphoresis, cool skin, tremors, coma, and seizures. Kussmaul respirations, dry skin, hypotension, and bradycardia are signs of diabetic ketoacidosis. Excessive thirst, hunger, hypotension, and hypernatremia are symptoms of diabetes insipidus. Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and weight loss are classic signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus.

A nurse is teaching a client with type 1 diabetes how to treat adverse reactions to insulin. To reverse hypoglycemia, the client ideally should ingest an oral carbohydrate. However, this treatment isn't always possible or safe. Therefore, the nurse should advise the client to keep which alternate treatment on hand? Glucagon Hydrocortisone Epinephrine 50% dextrose

Glucagon Explanation: During a hypoglycemic reaction, a layperson may administer glucagon, an antihypoglycemic agent, to raise the blood glucose level quickly in a client who can't ingest an oral carbohydrate. Epinephrine isn't a treatment for hypoglycemia. Although 50% dextrose is used to treat hypoglycemia, it must be administered I.V. by a skilled health care professional. Hydrocortisone takes a relatively long time to raise the blood glucose level and therefore isn't effective in reversing hypoglycemia.

During a follow-up visit 3 months after a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, a client reports exercising and following a reduced-calorie diet. Assessment reveals that the client has only lost 1 pound and did not bring the glucose-monitoring record. Which value should the nurse measure? Fasting blood glucose level Glycosylated hemoglobin level Glucose via a urine dipstick test Glucose via an oral glucose tolerance test

Glycosylated hemoglobin level Explanation: Glycosylated hemoglobin is a blood test that reflects the average blood glucose concentration over a period of approximately 2 to 3 months. When blood glucose is elevated, glucose molecules attach to hemoglobin in red blood cells. The longer the amount of glucose in the blood remains above normal, the more glucose binds to hemoglobin and the higher the glycosylated hemoglobin level becomes.

A nurse explains to a client that she will administer his first insulin dose in his abdomen. How does absorption at the abdominal site compare with absorption at other sites? Insulin is absorbed rapidly regardless of the injection site. Insulin is absorbed more slowly at abdominal injection sites than at other sites. Insulin is absorbed unpredictably at all injection sites. Insulin is absorbed more rapidly at abdominal injection sites than at other sites.

Insulin is absorbed more rapidly at abdominal injection sites than at other sites. Explanation: Subcutaneous insulin is absorbed most rapidly at abdominal injection sites, more slowly at sites on the arms, and slowest at sites on the anterior thigh. Absorption after injection in the buttocks is less predictable.

A patient who is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes would be expected to: Have no damage to the islet cells of the pancreas. Need exogenous insulin. Be restricted to an American Diabetic Association diet. Receive daily doses of a hypoglycemic agent.

Need exogenous insulin. Explanation: Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the destruction of pancreatic beta cells that require exogenous insulin.

A nurse is teaching a diabetic support group about the causes of type 1 diabetes. The teaching is determined to be effective when the group is able to attribute which factor as a cause of type 1 diabetes? Obesity Presence of autoantibodies against islet cells Rare ketosis Altered glucose metabolism

Presence of autoantibodies against islet cells Explanation: There is evidence of an autoimmune response in type 1 diabetes. This is an abnormal response in which antibodies are directed against normal tissues of the body, responding to these tissues as if they were foreign. Autoantibodies against islet cells and against endogenous (internal) insulin have been detected in people at the time of diagnosis and even several years before the development of clinical signs of type 1 diabetes.

The nurse is explaining glycosylated hemoglobin testing to a diabetic client. Which of the following provides the best reason for this order? Reflects the amount of glucose stored in hemoglobin over past several months. Is less costly than performing daily blood sugar test Provides best information on the body's ability to maintain normal blood functioning Best indicator for the nutritional state of the client

Reflects the amount of glucose stored in hemoglobin over past several months. Explanation: Hemoglobin A1c tests reflect the amount of glucose that is stored in the hemoglobin molecule during its life span of 120 days. This test provides a more accurate picture of overall glucose control in a client. Glycosylated hemoglobin test does not indicate normal blood functioning or nutritional state of the client. Self-monitoring with a glucometer is still encouraged in clients who are taking insulin or have unstable blood glucose levels.

The nurse is administering an insulin drip to a patient in ketoacidosis. What insulin does the nurse know is the only one that can be used intravenously?\ NPH Lente Glargine Regular

Regular Explanation: Short-acting insulins are called regular insulin (marked R on the bottle). Regular insulin is a clear solution and is usually administered 20 to 30 minutes before a meal, either alone or in combination with a longer-acting insulin. Regular insulin is the only insulin approved for IV use

The nurse is administering an insulin drip to a patient in ketoacidosis. What insulin does the nurse know is the only one that can be used intravenously? Lantus Lispro NPH Regular

Regular Explanation: Short-acting insulins are called regular insulin (marked R on the bottle). Regular insulin is a clear solution and is usually administered 20 to 30 minutes before a meal, either alone or in combination with a longer-acting insulin. Regular insulin is the only insulin approved for IV use.

A patient has been newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and the nurse is assisting with the development of a meal plan. What step should be taken into consideration prior to making the meal plan? Reviewing the patient's diet history to identify eating habits and lifestyle and cultural eating patterns Ensuring that the patient understands that some favorite foods may not be allowed on the meal plan and substitutes will need to be found Making sure that the patient is aware that quantity of foods will be limited Determining whether the patient is on insulin or taking oral antidiabetic medication

Reviewing the patient's diet history to identify eating habits and lifestyle and cultural eating patterns Explanation: The first step in preparing a meal plan is a thorough review of the patient's diet history to identify eating habits and lifestyle and cultural eating patterns.

The client with diabetes asks the nurse why shoes and socks are removed at each office visit. The nurse gives which assessment finding as the explanation for the inspection of feet? Nephropathy Sensory neuropathy Autonomic neuropathy Retinopathy

Sensory neuropathy Explanation: Neuropathy results from poor glucose control and decreased circulation to nerve tissues. Neuropathy involving sensory nerves located in the periphery can lead to lack of sensitivity, which increases the potential for soft tissue injury without client awareness. The client's feet are inspected on each visit to ensure no injury or pressure has occurred. Autonomic neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy affect nerves to organs other than feet.

During a class on exercise for clients with diabetes mellitus, a client asks the nurse educator how often to exercise. To meet the goals of planned exercise, the nurse educator should advise the client to exercise:

at least three times per week. Explanation: Clients with diabetes must exercise at least three times per week to meet the goals of planned exercise — lowering the blood glucose level, reducing or maintaining the proper weight, increasing the serum high-density lipoprotein level, decreasing serum triglyceride levels, reducing blood pressure, and minimizing stress. Exercising once per week wouldn't achieve these goals. Exercising more than three times per week, although beneficial, would exceed the minimum requirement.

A nurse is teaching a client recovering from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) about management of "sick days." The client asks the nurse why it is important to monitor the urine for ketones. Which statement is the nurse's best response? "When the body does not have enough insulin, hyperglycemia occurs. Excess glucose is broken down by the liver, causing acidic by-products to be released." "Excess glucose in the blood is metabolized by the liver and turned into ketones, which are an acid." "Ketones are formed when insufficient insulin leads to cellular starvation. As cells rupture, they release these acids into the blood." "Ketones accumulate in the blood and urine when fat breaks down in the absence of insulin. Ketones signal an insulin deficiency that will cause the body to start breaking down stored fat for energy."

"Ketones accumulate in the blood and urine when fat breaks down in the absence of insulin. Ketones signal an insulin deficiency that will cause the body to start breaking down stored fat for energy." Explanation: Ketones (or ketone bodies) are by-products of fat breakdown in the absence of insulin, and they accumulate in the blood and urine. Ketones in the urine signal an insulin deficiency and that control of type 1 diabetes is deteriorating. When almost no effective insulin is available, the body starts to break down stored fat for energy.

A client with diabetes mellitus has a blood glucose level of 40 mg/dL. Which rapidly absorbed carbohydrate would be most effective? 1/2 cup fruit juice or regular soft drink 1/2 tbsp honey or syrup 4 oz of skim milk three to six LifeSavers candies

1/2 cup fruit juice or regular soft drink Explanation: In a client with hypoglycemia, the nurse uses the rule of 15: give 15 g of rapidly absorbed carbohydrate, wait 15 minutes, recheck the blood sugar, and administer another 15 g of glucose if the blood sugar is not above 70 mg/dL. One-half cup fruit juice or regular soft drink is equivalent to the recommended 15 g of rapidly absorbed carbohydrate. Eight ounces of skim milk is equivalent to the recommended 15 g of rapidly absorbed carbohydrate. One tablespoon of honey or syrup is equivalent to the recommended 15 g of rapidly absorbed carbohydrate. Six to eight LifeSavers candies is equivalent to the recommended 15 g of rapidly absorbed carbohydrate.

The nurse is preparing a presentation for a group of adults at a local community center about diabetes. Which of the following would the nurse include as associated with type 2 diabetes? Less common than type 1 diabetes Little to no relation to pre-diabetes Insulin production insufficient Onset most common during adolescence

Insulin production insufficient Explanation: Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production. It is more common in aging adults, and now accounts for 20% of all newly diagnosed cases. Type 1 diabetes is more likely in childhood and adolescence although it can occur at any age. It accounts for approximately 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Pre-diabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes.

Which assessment finding is most important in determining nursing care for a client with diabetes mellitus? Fruity breath Blood sugar 170 mg/dL Cloudy urine Respirations of 12 breaths/minute

Fruity breath Explanation: The rising ketones and acetone in the blood can lead to acidosis and be detected as a fruity odor on the breath. Ketoacidosis needs to be treated to prevent further complications such as Kussmaul respirations (fast, labored breathing) and renal shutdown. A blood sugar of 170 mg/dL is not ideal but will not result in glycosuria and/or trigger the classic symptoms of diabetes mellitus. Cloudy urine may indicate a UTI.

The nurse is preparing a presentation for a group of adults at a local community center about diabetes. Which characteristic would the nurse inform the group is associated with type 2 diabetes? Onset most common during adolescence Insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production Less common than type 1 diabetes Little relation to prediabetes

Insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production Explanation: Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production. It is more common in aging adults, and adults aged 45 to 64 years were highest among newly diagnosed age groups for type 2 diabetes in 2018, not adolescents. The absence of insulin production by beta cells in the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas is characteristic of type 1 diabetes mellitus, not type 2. Prediabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes.

A nurse is caring for a client with an abnormally low blood glucose concentration. What glucose level should the nurse observe when assessing laboratory results? Between 75 and 90 mg/dL (4.16 to 5.00 mmol/L) Less than 70 mg/dL (3.7 mmol/L) 95 mg/dL (5.27 mmol/L) Between 70 and 75 mg/dL (3.9 to 4.16 mmol/L)

Less than 70 mg/dL (3.7 mmol/L) Explanation: Hypoglycemia means low (hypo) sugar in the blood (glycemia), and occurs when the blood glucose level falls to less than 70 mg/dL (3.7 mmol/L). Severe hypoglycemia is when glucose levels are less the 40 mg/dL (2.5 mmol/L).

A client with a 30-year history of type 2 diabetes is having an annual physical and blood work. Which test result would the physician be most concerned with when monitoring the client's treatment compliance? glycosylated hemoglobin postprandial glucose hematocrit B1C CAT scan

glycosylated hemoglobin Explanation: Once a client with diabetes receives a treatment regimen to follow, the physician can assess the effectiveness of treatment and the client's compliance by obtaining a hemoglobin A1c test. The results of this test reflect the amount of glucose that is stored in the hemoglobin molecule during its life span of 120 days. Normally, the level of glycosylated hemoglobin is less than 7%. Amounts of 8% or greater indicate that control of the client's blood glucose level has been inadequate during the previous 2 to 3 months.