Chapter 46: Diabetes

Which instruction about insulin administration should a nurse give to a client?

"Always follow the same order when drawing the different insulins into the syringe."

A client is taking glyburide (DiaBeta), 1.25 mg P.O. daily, to treat type 2 diabetes. Which statement indicates the need for further client teaching about managing this disease?

"I skip lunch when I don't feel hungry."

Which statement indicates that a client with diabetes mellitus understands proper foot care?

"I'll wear cotton socks with well-fitting shoes."

Which of the following is a characteristic of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)? Select all that apply.

-Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine -Rapid onset -More common in type 1 diabetes

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 client with diabetes comes to the clinic for a follow-up visit. The nurse reviews the client's glycosylated hemoglobin test results. Which result would indicate to the nurse that the client's blood glucose level has been well-controlled?

6.5%

Which statement is true regarding gestational diabetes?

A glucose challenge test should be performed between 24 and 28 weeks.

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?

Accuracy of the dosage

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 client with long-standing type 1 diabetes is admitted to the hospital with unstable angina pectoris. After the client's condition stabilizes, the nurse evaluates the diabetes management regimen. The nurse learns that the client sees the physician every 4 weeks, injects insulin after breakfast and dinner, and measures blood glucose before breakfast and at bedtime. Consequently, the nurse should formulate a nursing diagnosis of:

Deficient knowledge (treatment regimen).

Which assessment finding is most important in determining nursing care for a client with diabetes mellitus?

Fruity Breath

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

Hypoglycemia

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

Hypokalemia and hypoglycemia

Which is a by-product of fat breakdown in the absence of insulin and accumulates in the blood and urine?

Ketones

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

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?

Sensory neuropathy

A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is being taught about self-injection of insulin. Which fact about site rotation should the nurse include in the teaching?

Use all available injection sites within one area.

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

Using sterile technique during the dressing change

The nurse is teaching a client about self-administration of insulin and about mixing regular and neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin. Which information is important to include in the teaching plan?

When mixing insulin, the regular insulin is drawn up into the syringe first.

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 nurse is assigned to care for a postoperative client with diabetes mellitus. During the assessment interview, the client reports that he's impotent and says he's concerned about the effect on his marriage. In planning this client's care, the most appropriate intervention would be to:

suggest referral to a sex counselor or other appropriate professional.

A client with type 2 diabetes has recently been prescribed acarbose, and the nurse is explaining how to take this medication. The teaching is determined to be effective based on which statement by the client?

"I will take this medication in the morning, with my first bite of breakfast."

A nurse is preparing to administer insulin to a child who's just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. When the child's mother stops the nurse in the hall, she's crying and anxious to talk about her son's condition. The nurse's best response is:

"I'm going to give your son some insulin. Then I'll be happy to talk with you."

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?

"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."

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 client with diabetes mellitus must learn how to self-administer insulin. The physician has ordered 10 units of U-100 regular insulin and 35 units of U-100 isophane insulin suspension (NPH) to be taken before breakfast. When teaching the client how to select and rotate insulin injection sites, the nurse should provide which instruction?

"Rotate injection sites within the same anatomic region, not among different regions."

Which instruction should a nurse give to a client with diabetes mellitus when teaching about "sick day rules"?

"Test your blood glucose every 4 hours."

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 physician orders blood glucose levels every 4 hours for a 4-year-old child with brittle type 1 diabetes. The parents are worried that drawing so much blood will traumatize their child. How can the nurse best reassure the parents?

"Your child will need less blood work as his glucose levels stabilize."

The nurse instructs the client with diabetes on self-care during days of illness. Which client statement indicates that teaching has been effective? Select all that apply.

-"I will increase my intake of fluids." -"I will test my blood sugar level every 3 to 4 hours." -"I will call the doctor if I have vomiting or diarrhea." -"I will eat soft foods if I cannot tolerate regular food."

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

The nurse is educating the patient with diabetes about the importance of increasing dietary fiber. What should the nurse explain is the rationale for the increase? Select all that apply.

-May improve blood glucose levels -Decrease the need for exogenous insulin -Help reduce cholesterol levels

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.

A nurse is preparing a continuous insulin infusion for a child with diabetic ketoacidosis and a blood glucose level of 800 mg/dl. Which solution is the most appropriate at the beginning of therapy?

100 units of regular insulin in normal saline solution

A patient who is 6 months' pregnant was evaluated for gestational diabetes mellitus. The doctor considered prescribing insulin based on the serum glucose result of:

138 mg/dL, 2 hours postprandial.

A nurse is teaching a client with diabetes mellitus about self-management of his condition. The nurse should instruct the client to administer 1 unit of insulin for every:

15 g of carbohydrates.

What is the duration of regular insulin?

4 to 6 hours

A client is receiving insulin lispro at 7:30 AM. The nurse ensures that the client has breakfast by which time?

7:45 AM

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 client with type 1 diabetes presents with a decreased level of consciousness and a fingerstick glucose level of 39 mg/dl. His family reports that he has been skipping meals in an effort to lose weight. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

Administering 1 ampule of 50% dextrose solution, per physician's order

A nurse is caring for a diabetic patient with a diagnosis of nephropathy. What would the nurse expect the urinalysis report to indicate?

Albumin

A child is brought into the emergency department with vomiting, drowsiness, and blowing respirations. The child's parent reports that the symptoms have been progressing throughout the day. The nurse suspects diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which action should the nurse take first in the management of DKA?

Begin fluid replacements

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 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

The nurse is educating the client with diabetes on setting up a sick plan to manage blood glucose control during times of minor illness such as influenza. Which is the most important teaching item to include?

Increase frequency of glucose self-monitoring.

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

For a client with hyperglycemia, which assessment finding best supports a nursing diagnosis of Deficient fluid volume?

Increased urine osmolarity

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

The client who is managing diabetes through diet and insulin control asks the nurse why exercise is important. Which is the best response by the nurse to support adding exercise to the daily routine?

Increases ability for glucose to get into the cell and lowers blood sugar

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.

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?

Insulin production insufficient

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

Which is a characteristic of type 2 diabetes?

Insulin resistance

NPH is an example of which type of insulin?

Intermediate-acting

Which statement is correct regarding glargine insulin?

It cannot be mixed with any other type of insulin.

The nurse is describing the action of insulin in the body to a client newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Which of the following would the nurse explain as being the primary action?

It carries glucose into body cells.

The nurse is describing the action of insulin in the body to a client newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Which of the following would the nurse explain as being the primary action?

It enhances the transport of glucose across the cell membrane.

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

Metformin

Which clinical characteristic is associated with type 1 diabetes (previously referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus)?

Presence of islet cell antibodies

A client who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 14 years ago is admitted to the medical-surgical unit with abdominal pain. On admission, the client's blood glucose level is 470 mg/dl. Which finding is most likely to accompany this blood glucose level?

Rapid, thready pulse

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

Rapid-acting

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.

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 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

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 of the following factors would a nurse identify as a most likely cause of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in a client with diabetes?

The client has eaten and has not taken or received insulin.

A nurse educator been invited to local seniors center to discuss health-maintaining strategies for older adults. The nurse addresses the subject of diabetes mellitus, its symptoms, and consequences. What should the educator teach the participants about type 1 diabetes?

The participants are unlikely to develop a new onset of type 1 diabetes.

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 with diabetes mellitus develops sinusitis and otitis media accompanied by a temperature of 100.8° F (38.2° C). What effect do these findings have on his need for insulin?

They increase the need for insulin.

A client with type 2 diabetes asks the nurse why he can't have a pancreatic transplant. Which of the following would the nurse include as a possible reason?

Underlying problem of insulin resistance

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.

A nurse is explaining the action of insulin to a client with diabetes mellitus. During client teaching, the nurse reviews the process of insulin secretion in the body. The nurse is correct when she states that insulin is secreted from the:

beta cells of the pancreas.

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

A client with type 1 diabetes has been on a regimen of multiple daily injection therapy. He's being converted to continuous subcutaneous insulin therapy via an insulin pump. While teaching the client about continuous subcutaneous insulin therapy, the nurse should tell him that the regimen includes the use of:

rapid-acting insulin only