NCLEX Diabetes Mellitus 1.0
The lowest fasting plasma glucose level suggestive of a diagnosis of DM is: A. 90mg/dl B. 115mg/dl C. 126mg/dl D. 180mg/dl
126mg/dl
Albert, a 35-year-old insulin dependent diabetic, is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of pneumonia. He has been febrile since admission. His daily insulin requirement is 24 units of NPH. Every morning Albert is given NPH insulin at 0730. Meals are served at 0830, 1230, and 1830. The nurse expects that the NPH insulin will reach its maximum effect (peak) between the hours of: A. 1130 and 1330 B. 1330 and 1930 C. 1530 and 2130 D. 1730 and 2330
1330 and 1930
A bedtime snack is provided for Albert. This is based on the knowledge that intermediate-acting insulins are effective for an approximate duration of: A. 6-8 hrs B. 10-14 hrs C. 16-20 hrs D 24-28 hrs
16-20 hrs
Rotation sites for insulin injection should be separated from one another by 2.5 cm (1 in) and should be used only once every: A. Third day B. Week C. 2-3 weeks D. 204 weeks
2-3 weeks
A client w type 1 DM calls the nurse to report recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia w exercise. Which statement by the client indicated an inadequate understanding of the peak action of NPH insulin and exercise? A. "The best time for me to exercise is every afternoon." B. "The best time for me to exercise is right after I eat." C. "The best time for me to exercise is after breakfast." D. "The best time for me to exercise is after my morning snack."
"The best time for me to exercise is every afternoon." A hypoglycemic reaction may occur in the response to increased exercise. Clients should avoid exercise during the peak time of insulin. NPH insulin peaks at 6-14 hours; therefore afternoon exercise will occur during the peak of the medication. Options B, C, and D do not address peak action times.
The nurse recognizes that additional teaching is necessary when the client who is learning alternative site testing (AST) for glucose monitoring says: A. "I need to rub my forearm vigorously until warm before testing at this site." B. "The fingertip is preferred for glucose monitoring if hyperglycemia is suspected." C. "I have to make sure that my current glucose monitor can be used at an alternate site." D. "Alternate site testing is unsafe if I am experiencing a rapid change in glucose levels."
"The fingertip is preferred for glucose monitoring if hyperglycemia is suspected." Fingertip is preferred for glucose monitoring if hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia.
The nurse expects that a type 1 diabetic may receive _______ of his or her morning dose of insulin preoperatively: A. 10-20% B. 25-40% C. 50-60% D. 85-90%
50-60%
A client is taking NPH insulin daily every morning. The nurse instructs the client that the most likely time for a hypoglycemic reaction to occur is: A. 2-4 hours after administration B. 6-14 hours after administration C. 16-18 hours after administration D. 18-24 hours after administration
6-14 hours after administration NPH is an intermediate acting insulin. The onset of action is 1-2 hours, it peaks in 6-14 hours, and it's duration of action is 24 hours. Hypoglycemic reactions most likely occur during peak time.
The physician orders 36 units of NPH and 12 units of regular insulin. The nurse plans to administer these drugs in 1 syringe. Identify the steps in this procedure by listing them in priority order. A. Inject air equal to NPH dose into NPH vial B. Invert regular insulin bottle and withdraw regular insulin dose C. Inject air equal to regular dose into regular dose D. Invert NPH vial and withdraw NPH dose
ACBD
A nurse is caring for a client admitted to the ER with DKA. In the acute phase the priority nursing action is to prepare to: A. Administer regular insulin IV B. Administer 5% dextrose IV C. Correct the acidosis D. Apply an electrocardiogram monitor.
Administer regular insulin IV Lack (absolute or relative) of insulin is the primary cause of DKA. Treatment consists of insulin administration (Reg insulin), IV fluid admin (NS initially), and K replacement, followed by correcting acidosis. Applying an electrocardiogram monitor is not a priority action.
A client w type 1 DM has a fingerstick glucose level of 258mg/dl at bedtime. An order for sliding scale insulin exists. The nurse should: A. Call the physician B. Encourage the intake of fluids C. Administer the insulin as ordered D. Give the client 1/2 c. of orange juice
Administer the insulin as ordered A value of 258mg/dl is above the expected range of 70-105 mg/dl; the nurse should administer the insulin as ordered.
Knowing that gluconeogenesis helps to maintain blood levels, a nurse should: A. Document weight changes bc of fatty acid mobilization B. Evaluate the p's sensitivity to low room temperatures bc of decreased adipose tissue insulation C. Protect the p from courses of infection bc of decreased cellular protein deposits D. All of the above
All of the above
A client with DM has an above-knee amputation bc of severe peripheral vascular disease. Two days following surgery, when preparing the client for dinner, it is the nurse's primary responsibility to: A. Check the client's serum glucose level B. Assist the client out of bed to the chair C. Place the client in a high-fowlers position D. Ensure that the client's residual limb is elevated.
Check the client's serum glucose level Bc the client has diabetes, it is essential that the blood glucose level be determined before meals to evaluate the success of control of diabetes and the possible need for insulin coverage.
A client w DM demonstrates acute anxiety when first admitted for the treatment of hyperglycemia. The most appropriate intervention to decrease the client's anxiety would be to: A. Administer a sedative B. Make sure the client knows all the correct medical terms to understand what is happening. C. Ignore the signs and symptoms of anxiety so that they will soon disappear D. Convey empathy, trust, and respect toward the client.
Convey empathy, trust, and respect toward the client. The most appropriate intervention is to address the client's feelings related to the anxiety. Admin a sedative is not the most appropriate. The nurse should not ignore the client's anxious feelings. A client will not relate to medical terms, particularly when anxiety exists.
A client's blood gases reflect diabetic acidosis. The nurse should expect: A. Increased pH B. Decreased PO2 C. Increased PCO2 D. Decreased HCO3
Decreased HCO3 The bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffer system helps maintain the pH of the body fluids; in metabolic acidosis there is a decrease in bicarbonate because of the increase of metabolic acids.
A clinical feature that distinguishes a hypoglycemic reaction from a ketoacidosis reaction is: A. Blurred vision B. Diaphoresis C. Nausea D. Weakness
Diaphoresis
A client w a diagnosis of DKA is being treated in the ER. Which finding would a nurse expect to note as confirming this diagnosis? A. Elevated blood glucose level and a low plasma bicarbonate B. Decreased urine output C. Increased respirations and an increase in pH D. Comatose state
Elevated blood glucose level and a low plasma bicarbonate In diabetic acidosis the arterial pH is <7.35. Plasma bicarb is <15mEq/L, and the blood glucose level is higher than 250mg/dl and ketones are present in the blood and urine. The client would be experiencing polyuria, and Kussmauls respirations would be present. A comatose state may occur if DKA is not treated, but coma would not confirm the diagnosis
Glucose is an important molecule in a cell bc this molecule is primarily used of: A. Extraction of energy B. Synthesis of protein C. Building of genetic material D. Formation of cell membranes.
Extraction of energy Glucose catabolism is the main pathway for cellular energy production.
When a client is first admitted w hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHMNS), the nurse's priority is to provide: A. Oxygen B. Carbohydrates C. Fluid replacement D. Dietary instruction
Fluid replacement As a result of osmotic pressures created by increased serum glucose, the cells become dehydrated; the client must receive fluid and then insulin.
An external insulin pump is prescribed for a client with diabetes mellitus. The client asks the nurse about the functioning of the pump. The nurse bases the response on the information that the pump: A. Gives small continuous dose of regular insulin subcutaneously, and the client can self-administer a bolus with an additional dose from the pump before each meal. B. Is timed to release programmed doses of regular or NPH insulin into the bloodstream at specific intervals. C. Is surgically attached to the pancreas and infuses regular insulin into the pancreas, which in turn releases the insulin into the bloodstream. D. Continuously infuses small amounts of NPH insulin into the bloodstream while regularly monitoring blood glucose levels.
Gives small continuous dose of regular insulin subcutaneously, and the client can self-administer a bolus with an additional dose from the pump before each meal. An insulin pump provides a small continuous dose of regular insulin subQ throughout the day and night, and the client can self-admin a bolus w additional dosage from the pump before each meal as needed. Reg insulin is used in an insulin pump. An external pump is not attached surgically to the pancreas.
A nurse is preparing a plan of care for a client w DM who has hyperglycemia. The priority nursing diagnosis would be: A. High risk for deficient fluid volume B. Deficient knowledge: disease process and treatment C. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements D. Disabled family coping: compromised.
High risk for deficient fluid volume Increased blood glucose will cause the kidneys to excrete the glucose on the urine. This glucose is accompanied by fluids and electrolytes, causing osmotic diuresis leading to dehydration. This fluid loss must be replaced when it becomes severe. Options B, C, and D are not related specifically to the issue of the question.
When a client is in diabetic ketoacidosis, the insulin that would be administered is: A. Human NPH insulin B. Human regular insulin C. Insulin lispro injection D. Insulin glargine injection
Human regular insulin Regular insulin (Humulin R) is a short-acting insulin and is administered via IV w an initial dose of 0.3 units/kg, followed by 0.2 units/kg 1 hour later, followed by 0.2 units/kg every 2 hrs until blood glucose becomes ≪ 13.9 mol/L (≪250 mg/dL). At this point, insulin dose should be decreased by half, to 0.1 units/kg q2h, until the resolution of DKA.
Clinical manifestations assoc w a diagnosis of type 1 DM indulge all of the following except: A. Hypoglycemia B. Hyponatremia C. Ketonuria D. Polyphagia
Hypoglycemia
Which of the following methods of insulin administration would be used in the initial treatment of hyperglycemia in a client w DKA? A. SubQ B. IM C. IV bolus only D. IV bolus, followed by continuous infusion
IV bolus, followed by continuous infusion An IV bolus of insulin is given initially to control the hyperglycemia; followed by a continuous infusion, titrated to control blood glucose. After the client is stabilized, subQ is given. Insulin is never given IM.
The nurse knows that glucagon may be given in the treatment of hypoglycemia because it: A. Inhibits gluconeogenesis B. Stimulates the release of insulin C. Increases blood glucose levels D. Provides more storage of glucose
Increases blood glucose levels Glucagon, an insulin antagonist produced by the alpha cells in the islets of langerhans, leads to the conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver.
Rotation injection sites when administering insulin prevents which of the following complications? A. Insulin edema B. Insulin lipodystrophy C. Insulin resistance D. Systemic allergic reactions
Insulin lipodystrophy Insulin lipodystrophy produces fatty masses at the injection sites, causing unpredictable absorption of insulin injected into these sites.
A client is in DKA, secondary to infection. As the condition progresses, which of the following symptoms might the nurse see? A. Kussmauls' respirations and a fruity odor on the breath B. Shallow respirations and severe abdominal pain C. Decreased respirations and increased urine output D. Cheyne-stokes respirations and foul-smelling urine
Kussmauls' respirations and a fruity odor on the breath Coma and severe acidosis are ushered in w Kuss resps (v deep but not labored respirations) and a fruity odor on the breath (academia).
The insulin that has the most rapid onset of action would be: A. Lente B. Lispro C. Ultralente D. Humulin N
Lispro Lispro has an immediate onset, a peak of 30-90 mins, and a duration of 2-4 hrs.
Which adaptations should the nurse caring for a client w DKA expect the client to exhibit? Select all that apply: A. Sweating B. Low PCO2 C. Retinopathy D. Acetone breath E. Elevated serum bicarbonate
Low PCO2 and retinopathy Metabolic acidosis initiates respiratory compensation in the form of Kussmaul respirations to counteract the effects of ketone buildup, resulting in a lowered PCO2. A fruity odor to the breath (Acetone breath) occurs when the ketone level is elevated in ketoacidosis.
A client w DM states, "I cannot eat big meals; I prefer to snack throughout the day." The nurse should carefully explain that the: A. Regulated food intake is basic to control B. Salt and sugar restriction is the main concern C. Small, frequent meals are better for digestion D. Large meals can contribute to a weight problem
Regulated food intake is basic to control An understanding of the diet is imperative for compliance .A balance of CHOs, proteins, and fats usually apportioned over 3 main meals and 2-between meals snacks needs to be tailored to the client's specific needs, w due regard for activity, diet, and therapy.
Which of the following nursing interventions should be taken for a client who complains of nausea and vomits one hour after taking his glyburide (DiaBeta)? A. Give glyburide again B. Give subQ insulin and monitor blood glucose C. Monitor blood glucose closely, and look for signs of hypoglycemia D. Monitor blood glucose, and assess for signs of hyperglycemia
Monitor blood glucose closely, and look for signs of hypoglycemia When a client who has taken an oral anti diabetic agent vomits, the nurse would monitor glucose and assess him frequently for signs of hypoglycemia. Most of the medication has probably been absorbed. Therefore, repeating the dose would further lower glucose levels later in the day. Giving insulin would also lower glucose levels, causing hypoglycemia. The client wouldn't have hyperglycemia if the glyburide was absorbed.
Clients with type 1 diabetes may require which of the following changes to their daily routine during periods of infection? A. No changes B. Less insulin C. More insulin D. Oral antidiabetic agents
More insulin During periods of infection or illness, diabetics may need even more insulin to compensate for increased blood glucose levels.
Clinical nursing assessment for a p w microangiopathy who has manifested impaired peripheral arterial circulation includes all of the following except: A. Integumentary inspection for the presence of brown spots on the lower extremities B. Observation for paleness of the lower extremities C. Observation for blanching on the feet after the legs are elevated for 60 seconds D. Palpation for increased pulse volume in the arteries of the lower extremities
Palpation for increased pulse volume in the arteries of the lower extremities
"The nurse is admitting a client w hypoglycemia. Identify the signs and symptoms the nurse should expect. Select all that apply. A. Thirst B. Palpitations C. Diaphoresis D. Slurred speech E. Hyperventilation
Palpitations, diaphoresis, and slurred speech Palpitations, an adrenergic symptom, occur as the glucose levels fall; the SNS is activated and epinephrine and norepinephrine are secreted causing this response. Diaphoresis is a SNS response that occurs as epinephrine and norepinephrine are released. Slurred speech is a neuroglycopenic symptom; as the brain receives insufficient glucose, the activity of the CNS becomes depressed.
Insulin forces which of the following electrolytes out of the plasma and into the cells? A. Calcium B. Magnesium C. Phosphorus D. Potassium
Potassium Insulin forces K out of the plasma, back into the cells, causing hypokalemia. K is needed to help transport glucose and insulin into the cells. Ca, Mg, and P aren't affected by insulin.
A client w DM visits a health care clinic. The client's diabetes previously had been well controlled with glyburide (Diabeta), 5 mg PO daily, but recently the fasting blood glucose has been running 180-200mg/dl. Which medication, if added to the client's regimen, may have contributed to the hyperglycemia? A. Prednisone (Deltasone) B. Atenolol (Tenormin) C. Phenelzine (Nardil) D. Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
Prednisone (Deltasone) Prednisone may decrease the effect of oral hypoglycemics, insulin, diuretics, and K supps.
Which of the following chronic complications is assoc w diabetes? A. Dizziness, dyspnea on exertion, and CAD B. Retinopathy, neuropathy, and CAD C. leg ulcers, cerebral ischemic events, and pulmonary infarcts D. Fatigue, n/v, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrhythmias
Retinopathy, neuropathy, and CAD These are all chronic complications of diabetes. Dizz, dyspnea on exertion, and CAD are symptoms of aortic value stenosis. Fatigue, n/v, mus weakness, and cardiac arrhythmias are symptoms of hyperparathyroidism. Leg ulcers, cerebral ischemic events, and pul infarcts are complications of sickle cell anemia.
Albert refuses his bedtime snack. This should alert the nurse to assess for: A. Elevated serum bicarbonate and decrease blood pH. B. Signs of hypoglycemia earlier than expected. C. Symptoms of hyperglycemia during the peak time of NPH insulin. D. Sugar in the urine.
Signs of hypoglycemia earlier than expected.
A nurse performs a physical assessment on a client with type 2 DM. Findings include a fasting blood glucose of 120mg/dl, temp of 101, pulse of 88, respirations of 22, and a BP of 140/84. Which finding would be of most concern of the nurse? A. Pulse B. BP C. Respirations D. Temperature
Temperature An elevated temp may indicate infection. Infection is a leading cause of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Which of the following causes of HHNS is most common? A. Insulin overdose B. Removal of the adrenal gland C. Undiagnosed, untreated hyperpituitarism D. Undiagnosed, untreated diabetes mellitus
Undiagnosed, untreated DM
