Chapter 51: Caring for Clients with Diabetes Mellitus

A client with a tentative diagnosis of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS) has a history of type 2 diabetes that is being controlled with an oral diabetic agent, tolazamide. Which laboratory test is the most important for confirming this disorder?

Serum osmolarity

During a routine medical evaluation, a client is found to have a random blood glucose level of 210 mg/dL. Which client statement(s) made by the client are concerning to the nurse? Select all that apply.

"At times my vision is blurry." "I have to void nearly every hour." "I cannot seem to quench my thirst." "I have lost 10 pounds without even trying."

A client diagnosed with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS) is stabilized and prepared for discharge. When preparing the client for discharge and home management, which statement indicates that the client understands his condition and how to control it?

"I can avoid getting sick by not becoming dehydrated and by paying attention to my need to urinate, drink, or eat more than usual."

A diabetes educator is teaching a client about type 2 diabetes. The educator recognizes that the client understands the primary treatment for type 2 diabetes when the client states:

"I will make sure to follow the weight loss plan designed by the dietitian."

A diabetic educator is discussing "sick day rules" with a newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic. The educator is aware that the client will require further teaching when the client states what?

"I will not take my insulin on the days when I am sick, but I will certainly check my blood sugar every 2 hours."

A client newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus asks why he needs ketone testing when the disease affects his blood glucose levels. How should the nurse respond?

"Ketones will tell us if your body is using other tissues for energy."

A 16-year-old client newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes has a very low body weight despite eating regular meals. The client is upset because friends frequently state, "You look anorexic." Which statement by the nurse would be the best response to help this client understand the cause of weight loss due to this condition?

"Your body is using protein and fat for energy instead of glucose."

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

A nurse is caring for a client with type 1 diabetes. The client's medication administration record includes the administration of regular insulin three times daily. Knowing that the client's lunch tray will arrive at 11:45 AM, when should the nurse administer the client's insulin?

11:30 AM

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:

15 to 20 g of a fast-acting carbohydrate such as orange juice.

Glycosylated hemoglobin reflects blood glucose concentrations over which period of time?

3 months

A health care provider prescribes short-acting insulin for a patient, instructing the patient to take the insulin 20 to 30 minutes before a meal. The nurse explains to the patient that Humulin-R taken at 6:30 AM will reach peak effectiveness by:

8:30 AM.

A nurse is providing education on how to use a glucometer to a client newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Which blood glucose values will represent the desired reading?

90 to 130 mg/dL before meals and <180 mg/dL 1 to 2 hours after meals

A nurse is providing health education to a teenage client newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus, as well as the client's family. The nurse teaches the client and family nonpharmacologic measures that will decrease the body's need for insulin. What measure provides the greatest impact on glucose reduction?

Exercise

A nurse is working for the summer at a camp for adolescents with diabetes. When providing information on the prevention and management of hypoglycemia, what action should the nurse promote?

Always carry a form of fast-acting sugar.

A client is admitted to the health care center with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The medical reports indicate a history of type 1 diabetes. The nurse suspects the client's symptoms to be those of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which action will help the nurse confirm the diagnosis?

Assess the client's breath odor

A client has received a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. The diabetes nurse has made contact with the client and will implement a program of health education. What is the nurse's priority action?

Assess the client's readiness to learn.

Which clinical characteristic is associated with type 2 diabetes (previously referred to as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus)?

Blood glucose can be controlled through diet and exercise

A client is admitted with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS). Which laboratory finding should the nurse expect in this client?

Blood glucose level 1,100 mg/dl

A client's blood glucose level is 45 mg/dl. The nurse should be alert for which signs and symptoms?

Coma, anxiety, confusion, headache, and cool, moist skin

A nurse is preparing a client with type 1 diabetes for discharge. The client can care for himself; however, he's had a problem with unstable blood glucose levels in the past. Based on the client's history, he should be referred to which health care worker?

Dietitian

A diabetes nurse educator is teaching a group of clients with type 1 diabetes about "sick day rules." What guideline applies to periods of illness in a diabetic client?

Do not eliminate insulin when nauseated and vomiting.

Which information should be included in the teaching plan for a client receiving glargine, which is "peakless" basal insulin?

Do not mix with other insulins.

A student with diabetes reports feeling nervous and hungry. The school nurse assesses the student and finds the child has tachycardia and is diaphoretic with a blood glucose level of 50 mg/dL (2.8 mmol/L). What should the school nurse administer?

Half of a cup of juice, followed by cheese and crackers

A client with diabetes mellitus is receiving an oral antidiabetic agent. The nurse observes for which condition when caring for this client?

Hypoglycemia

When the nurse is caring for a patient with type 1 diabetes, what clinical manifestation would be a priority to closely monitor?

Hypoglycemia

A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has had a large volume of fluid infused for rehydration. What potential complication from rehydration should the nurse monitor for?

Hypokalemia

Which combination of adverse effects should a nurse monitor for when administering IV insulin to a client with diabetic ketoacidosis?

Hypokalemia and hypoglycemia

A 60-year-old client comes to the ED reporting weakness, vision problems, increased thirst, increased urination, and frequent infections that do not seem to heal easily. The physician suspects that the client has diabetes. Which classic symptom should the nurse watch for to confirm the diagnosis of diabetes?

Increased hunger

A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which finding suggests that the client has developed hyperglycemia?

Increased urine output

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 more rapidly at abdominal injection sites than at other sites

A young adult client with type 1 diabetes does not want to have to self-administer insulin injections several times a day. Which medication approach would the nurse recommend that best controls the condition and meets the client's needs?

Insulin pump

NPH is an example of which type of insulin?

Intermediate-acting

A patient is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. What clinical characteristics does the nurse expect to see in this patient? Select all that apply.

Ketosis-prone Little or no endogenous insulin Younger than 30 years of age

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?

Less than 70 mg/dL (3.7 mmol/L)

Which type of insulin acts most quickly?

Lispro

A school nurse is teaching a group of high school students about risk factors for diabetes. What action has the greatest potential to reduce an individual's risk for developing diabetes?

Lose weight, if obese.

A client with diabetes mellitus is prescribed to switch from animal to synthesized human insulin. Which factor should the nurse monitor when caring for the client?

Low blood glucose concentration

A medical nurse is aware of the need to screen specific clients for their risk of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS). In what client population does this syndrome most often occur?

Middle-aged or older people with either type 2 diabetes or no known history of diabetes

The nurse is preparing to administer intermediate-acting insulin to a patient with diabetes. Which insulin will the nurse administer?

NPH

A patient who is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes would be expected to:

Need exogenous insulin.

A nurse expects to find which signs and symptoms in a client experiencing hypoglycemia?

Nervousness, diaphoresis, and confusion

A client has been living with type 2 diabetes for several years, and the nurse realizes that the client is likely to have minimal contact with the health care system. In order to ensure that the client maintains adequate blood sugar control over the long term, what should the nurse recommend?

Participation in a support group for persons with diabetes

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?

Presence of autoantibodies against islet cells

Lispro (Humalog) is an example of which type of insulin?

Rapid-acting

A nurse is teaching basic "survival skills" to a client newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. What topic should the nurse address?

Recognition of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia

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?

Regular

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

A client with diabetes mellitus has a prescription for 5 units of U-100 regular insulin and 25 units of U-100 isophane insulin suspension (NPH) to be taken before breakfast. At about 4:30 p.m., the client experiences headache, sweating, tremor, pallor, and nervousness. What is the most probable cause of these signs and symptoms?

Serum glucose level of 52 mg/dl

Laboratory studies indicate a client's blood glucose level is 185 mg/dl. Two hours have passed since the client ate breakfast. Which test would yield the most conclusive diagnostic information about the client's glucose use?

Serum glycosylated hemoglobin (Hb A1c)

A client with type 2 diabetes normally achieves adequate glycemic control through diet and exercise. Upon being admitted to the hospital for a cholecystectomy, however, the client has required insulin injections on two occasions. The nurse would identify what factor most likely caused for this short-term change in treatment?

Stress has likely caused an increase in the client's blood sugar levels.

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?

Sweating, tremors, and tachycardia

Which may be a potential cause of hypoglycemia in the client diagnosed with diabetes mellitus?

The client has not eaten but continues to take insulin or oral antidiabetic medications.

A pregnant client has been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The client is shocked by the diagnosis, stating that they are conscientious about their health, and asks the nurse what causes gestational diabetes. The nurse should explain that gestational diabetes is a result of what etiologic factor?

The effects of hormonal changes during pregnancy

A nurse is assessing a client who has diabetes for the presence of peripheral neuropathy. The nurse should question the client about what sign or symptom that would suggest the possible development of peripheral neuropathy?

The presence of a tingling sensation

A nurse is preparing to administer two types of insulin to a client with diabetes mellitus. What is the correct procedure for preparing this medication?

The short-acting insulin is withdrawn before the intermediate-acting insulin.

A client has type 1 diabetes. Her husband finds her unconscious at home and administers glucagon, 0.5 mg subcutaneously. She awakens in 5 minutes. Why should her husband offer her a complex carbohydrate snack as soon as possible?

To restore liver glycogen and prevent secondary hypoglycemia

Which intervention is essential when performing dressing changes on a client with a diabetic foot ulcer?

Using sterile technique during the dressing change

A nurse is observing a newly diagnosed client with diabetes mellitus administer an insulin injection. Which site will the nurse advise the client to predominantly use?

abdomen

A visiting nurse is setting up an insulin schedule for an older adult who has diabetes mellitus. What should the nurse consider when determining the dosing time?

client's eating and sleeping habits

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

A client tells the nurse that she has been working hard for the past 3 months to control her type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise. To determine the effectiveness of the client's efforts, the nurse should check:

glycosylated hemoglobin level.

Which is a characteristic of type 2 diabetes?

insulin resistance

A client with a history of type 1 diabetes is demonstrating fast, deep, labored breathing and has fruity odored breath. What could be the cause of the client's current serious condition?

ketoacidosis

A client has been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and reports continued weight loss despite increased hunger and food consumption. This condition is called:

polyphagia.