Diabetes Medication2
The nurse is administering metformin (Glucophage) to a client. What nursing observations would cause the nurse concern regarding side effects of the medication? a. Gastrointestinal upset b. Photophobia c. Hyperglycemia d. Skin eruptions
ANS: A Anorexia, nausea, and a metallic taste in the mouth are common side effects, but can contribute to the client not taking the medication if unaware of the expected side effects. Over time, the gastrointestinal symptoms subside and can be relieved by taking the medication with food or by starting at a lower dose.
A client with diabetes is prescribed insulin glargine once daily and regular insulin four times daily. One dose of regular insulin is scheduled at the same time as the glargine. How does the nurse instruct the client to administer the two doses of insulin? a. "Draw up and inject the insulin glargine first, then draw up and inject the regular insulin." b. "Draw up and inject the insulin glargine first, wait 20 minutes, then draw up and inject the regular insulin." c. "First draw up the dose of regular insulin, then draw up the dose of insulin glargine in the same syringe, mix, and inject the two insulins together." d. "First draw up the dose of insulin glargine, then draw up the dose of regular insulin in the same syringe, mix, and inject the two insulins together."
ANS: A Insulin glargine must not be diluted or mixed with any other insulin or solution. Mixing results in an unpredictable alteration in the onset of action and time to peak action. The correct instruction is to draw up and inject first the glargine, then the regular insulin right afterward.
A client with diabetes is visually impaired and wants to know whether syringes can be prefilled and stored for later use. Which is the nurse's best response? a. "Yes. Prefilled syringes can be stored for 3 weeks in the refrigerator in a vertical position with the needle pointing up." b. "Yes. Prefilled syringes can be stored for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator, placed in a horizontal position." c. "Insulin reacts with plastic, so prefilled syringes are okay, but they must be made of glass." d. "No. Insulin cannot be stored for any length of time outside of the container."
ANS: A Insulin is relatively stable when stored in a cool, dry place away from light. When refrigerated, prefilled syringes are stable for up to 3 weeks. They should be stored in the vertical position with the needle pointing up to prevent suspended insulin particles from clogging the needle. The other answers are inaccurate.
A client who has been taking pioglitazone (Actos) for 6 months reports to the nurse that his urine has become darker since starting the medication. Which is the nurse's first action? a. Review results of liver enzyme studies. b. Document the report in the client's chart. c. Instruct the client to increase water intake. d. Test a sample of urine for occult blood.
ANS: A Thiazolidinediones (including pioglitazone) can affect liver function; liver function should be assessed at the start of therapy and at regular intervals while the client continues to take these drugs. Dark urine is one indicator of liver impairment because bilirubin is increased in the blood and is excreted in the urine. The nurse should check the client's most recent liver function studies. Documentation should be done after all assessments have been completed. The client does not need to be told to increase water intake, and the nurse does not need to check the urine for occult blood.
The labor nurse is providing care to a patient at 37 weeks' gestation who is an insulin-dependent diabetic. The health care provider prescribes an infusion of insulin throughout her induction to be titrated to keep her blood glucose levels below 110 mg/dL. What type of insulin will the nurse select to prepare the infusion? a. NPH insulin b. Regular insulin c. Lispro (Humalog) d. Aspart (Novolog)
ANS: B Continuous infusion of a regular insulin solution combined with a separate intravenous solution containing glucose, such as 5% dextrose in Ringer's lactate, allows titration to maintain blood glucose levels between 80 and 110 mg/dL, or as designated by facility policy. The insulin solution is raised, lowered, or discontinued to maintain euglycemia based on hourly capillary blood glucose levels.
The nurse has given a client an injection of glucagon. Which action does the nurse take next? a. Apply pressure to the injection site. b. Position the client on his or her side. c. Have a padded tongue blade available. d. Elevate the head of the bed.
ANS: B Glucagon administration often induces vomiting, increasing the client's risk for aspiration. The other actions are not required.
If dietary trays are usually brought to the nursing unit at 8:00 am, the nurse should plan to administer intermediate-acting insulin (Humulin N), 40 units, subcutaneously to a client between: a. 5:00 and 5:30 am b. 6:30 and 7:00 am c. 9:30 and 10:30 am d. 11:00 and 11:30 am
ANS: B Intermediate-acting insulin, such as Humulin N, should be given 60 to 90 minutes before a meal. Therefore, if the breakfast tray arrived at 8:00 am, a client would need to receive the insulin between 6:30 and 7:30 am. Regular insulin usually is administered 30 minutes before a meal, and insulin lispro is given immediately (15 minutes) before or after meals.
The nurse administers 6 units of regular insulin and 10 units NPH insulin at 7 AM. At what time does the nurse assess the client for problems related to the NPH insulin? a. 8 AM b. 4 PM c. 8 PM d. 11 PM
ANS: B NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin with an onset of 1.5 hours, peak of 4 to 12 hours, and duration of action of 22 hours. Checking the client at 8:00 AM would be too soon; 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM would be too late.
Which statement made by a client with type 2 diabetes taking nateglinide (Starlix) indicates understanding of this therapy? a. "I'll take this medicine with my meals." b. "I'll take this medicine right before I eat." c. "I'll take this medicine just before I go to bed." d. "I'll take this medicine when I wake up in the morning."
ANS: B Nateglinide is a meglitinide that is designed to increase meal-related insulin secretion. It should be taken just before a meal. The other options are incorrect.
A client who has type 2 diabetes is prescribed glipizide (Glucotrol). Which precautions does the nurse include in the teaching plan related to this medication? a. "Change positions slowly when you get up." b. "Avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs." c. "If you miss a dose of this drug, you can double the next dose." d. "Discontinue the medication if you develop an infection."
ANS: B Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs potentiate the hypoglycemic effects of sulfonylurea agents. Glipizide is a sulfonylurea. The other statements are not applicable to glipizide.
The nurse understands the following about the correct administration of insulin lispro: a. It needs to be taken after the meals. b. It should be taken within 15 minutes of beginning a meal. c. It is to be taken once daily at the noon meal. d. It is taken only in the evenings with a snack before bedtime.
ANS: B Rapid-acting insulins, such as insulin lispro (Humalog) and insulin aspart (Novolog), are able to more closely mimic the body's natural rapid insulin output after consumption of a meal, which is why both medications usually are administered within 15 minutes of beginning a meal.
A client with diabetes receives a combination of regular and NPH insulin at 0700 hours. The nurse teaches the client to be alert for signs of hypoglycemia at: a. 12 pm and 1 pm (1200 and 1300 hours) b. 9am and 5pm (0900 and 1700 hours) c. 10 am and 10 pm (1000 and 2200 hours) d. 8am and 11 am (0800 and 1100 hours)
ANS: B Regular insulin (a short-acting insulin) peaks in 2 to 3 hours, and NPH (an intermediate-acting insulin) peaks in 4 to 10 hours. Hypoglycemia would most likely occur between 9 am and 5 pm (0900 to 1700 hours).
The nurse has been reviewing options for insulin therapy with several clients. For which client does the nurse choose to recommend the pen-type injector insulin delivery system? a. Older adult client who lives at home alone but has periods of confusion b. Client on an intensive regimen with frequent, small insulin doses c. Client from the low-vision clinic who has trouble seeing the syringe d. "Brittle" client who has frequent episodes of hypoglycemia
ANS: B The pen-type injector allows greater accuracy with small doses, especially doses lower than 5 units. It is not recommended for those who have visual or neurologic impairments. The client with frequent hypoglycemia would not derive special benefit from using the pen.
Glipizide (Glucotrol) 10 mg bid PO has been ordered for an adult client with type 2 diabetes. The nurse would explain to the client that the medication reduces the blood sugar level by what process? a. Delays the cellular uptake of potassium and insulin b. Stimulates insulin release from the pancreas c. Decreases the body's need for and utilization of insulin at the cellular level d. Interferes with the absorption and metabolism of fats and carbohydrates
ANS: B The sulfonylureas reduce the blood glucose level by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas. Over a long period of time, sulfonylureas may actually increase insulin effects at the cellular level and decrease glucose production by the liver. This is the reason that sulfonylureas are prescribed for clients with type 2 diabetes who still have a functioning pancreas.
Which of the following diabetes drugs acts by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver? a. Sulfonylureas b. Meglitinides c. Biguanides d. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
ANS: C Biguanides, such as metformin, lower blood glucose by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. Sulfonylureas and Meglitinides stimulate the beta cells of the pancreas to produce more insulin. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors block the breakdown of starches and some sugars, which helps to reduce blood glucose levels
A patient has just been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. His doctor has requested glucagon for emergency use at home. The nurse instructs the patient that the purpose of this drug is to treat: a. Hyperglycemia from insufficient insulin injection. b. Hyperglycemia from eating a large meal. c. Hypoglycemia from insulin overdose. d. Lipohypertrophy from inadequate insulin absorption.
ANS: C Glucagon is for emergency use for insulin overdose. The patient will usually arouse within 20 minutes if unconscious. The family should also be instructed how to use the glucagon injection as well.
It is important for the nurse to teach the client which of the following about metformin (Glucophage)? a. It may cause constipation b. It should be taken at night c. It should be taken with meals d. It may increase the effects of aspirin
ANS: C Metformin (Glucophage) is administered with meals to minimize gastrointestinal effects. These adverse effects are abdominal bloating, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and an unpleasant metallic taste. Metformin interacts with alcohol and cimetidine and is contraindicated in heart failure and liver disease and in clients with compromised renal function
When the Type 1 diabetic patient asks why his 7 AM insulin has been changed from NPH insulin to 70/30 premixed insulin, the nurse explains that 70/30 insulin: a. is absorbed more rapidly into the bloodstream. b. has no peak action time and lasts all day. c. makes insulin administration easier and safer. d. give a bolus of rapid-acting insulin to prevent hyperglycemia after breakfast. the morning meal.
ANS: D 70/30 insulin is 30% rapid-acting and 70% intermediate-acting insulin. The rapid action of the 7 AM premixed insulin prevents hyperglycemia after the morning meal.
Which of the following regimens offers the best blood glucose control for persons with type 1 diabetes? a. A single anti-diabetes drugs b. Once daily insulin injections c. A combination of oral anti-diabetic medications d. Three or four injections per day of different types of insulin.
ANS: D Because persons with type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin, they require insulin and cannot be treated with oral anti-diabetic drugs. Several injections of insulin per day, calibrated to respond to measured blood glucose levels, offer the best blood glucose control and may prevent or postpone the retinal, renal, and neurological complications of diabetes.
A client is learning to inject insulin. Which action is important for the nurse to teach the client? a. "Do not use needles more than twice before discarding." b. "Massage the site for 1 full minute after injection." c. "Try to make the injection deep enough to enter muscle." d. "Keep the vial you are using in the pantry or the bedroom drawer."
ANS: D Cold insulin directly from the refrigerator is the most common cause of irritation (not infection) at the insulin injection site. Insulin in active use can be stored at room temperature. However, the bathroom is not the best place to store any medication because of increased heat and humidity. Needles should be used only once. Massage will not prevent or treat irritation from cold insulin. Insulin is given by subcutaneous, not intramuscular, injection.
A nurse reviews the medication list of a client recovering from a computed tomography (CT) scan with IV contrast to rule out small bowel obstruction. Which medication should alert the nurse to contact the provider and withhold the prescribed dose? a. Pioglitazone (Actos) b. Glimepiride (Amaryl) c. Glipizide (Glucotrol) d. Metformin (Glucophage)
ANS: D Glucophage should not be administered when the kidneys are attempting to excrete IV contrast from the body. This combination would place the client at high risk for kidney failure. The nurse should hold the metformin dose and contact the provider. The other medications are safe to administer after receiving IV contrast.
A client has a new insulin pump. Which is the nurse's priority instruction in teaching the client? a. "Test your urine daily for ketones." b. "Use only buffered insulin." c. "Keep the insulin frozen until you need it." d. "Change the needle every 3 days."
ANS: D Having the same needle remain in place through the skin for longer than 3 days drastically increases the risk for infection in or through the delivery system. Having an insulin pump does not require the client to test for ketones in the urine. Insulin should not be frozen. Insulin is not buffered.
What would be important for the nurse to include in the teaching plan for clients who are taking insulin? a. The client should use only the injection sites that are most accessible. b. During times of illness, clients should increase their insulin dosage by 25%. c. When mixing insulins, the NPH insulin should be drawn up into the syringe first. d. When mixing insulins, regular insulin should be drawn up into the syringe first.
ANS: D If mixing insulins, the regular insulin should always be drawn up into the syringe first. Remember: clear to cloudy; regular insulin first, followed by cloudy ones, such as NPH and Ultralente. Clients should always rotate injection sites (preferably in the abdomen) and should notify their physicians if they become ill.
A client is receiving IV insulin for hyperglycemia. Which laboratory value requires immediate intervention by the nurse? a. Serum chloride level of 98 mmol/L b. Serum calcium level of 8.8 mg/dL c. Serum sodium level of 132 mmol/L d. Serum potassium level of 2.5 mmol/L
ANS: D Insulin activates the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, increasing the movement of potassium from the extracellular fluid into the intracellular fluid, resulting in hypokalemia. In hyperglycemia, hypokalemia can also result from excessive urine loss of potassium. The chloride level is normal. The calcium and sodium levels are slightly low, but this would not be related to hyperglycemia and insulin administration.
A client with diabetes receives 10 units of regular insulin at 6:00 am and does not eat breakfast. About noon, what observation would the nurse expect to see? a. Polydipsia b. Polyphagia c. Polyuria d. Diaphoresis
ANS: D The nurse would expect symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include diaphoresis, shakiness, fatigue, hunger, and low blood sugar. The three Ps—polydipsia, polyphagia, and polyuria—are observed in hyperglycemia.
When a newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patient asks the nurse why she has to take a pill instead of insulin, you reply that in type 2 diabetes, the body makes insulin but: a. overweight and underactive people simply cannot use the insulin produced. b. metabolism is slowed in some people so they have to take a pill to speed up their metabolism. c. sometimes the autoimmune system works against the action of the insulin. d. the cells become resistant to the action of insulin. Pills are given to increase the sensitivity.
ANS: D Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the cells become resistant to the action of insulin and the blood glucose level rises. Oral hyperglycemic agents make the cells more sensitive.
The benefits of using an insulin pump include all of the following except: a. By continuously providing insulin they eliminate the need for injections of insulin b. They simplify management of blood sugar and often improve A1C c. They enable exercise without compensatory carbohydrate consumption d. They help with weight loss
ANS: D Using an insulin pump has many advantages, including fewer dramatic swings in blood glucose levels, increased flexibility about diet, and improved accuracy of insulin doses and delivery; however, the use of an insulin pump has been associated with weight gain.
