Ch 51 DM - scarlett
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. Explanation: Insulin requirements increase in response to growth, pregnancy, increased food intake, stress, surgery, infection, illness, increased insulin antibodies, and some medications. Insulin requirements are decreased by hypothyroidism, decreased food intake, exercise, and some medications.
An occupational health nurse is screening a group of workers for diabetes. What statement should the nurse interpret as being suggestive of diabetes?
"Lately, I drink and drink and can't seem to quench my thirst." Explanation: Classic clinical manifestations of diabetes include the "three Ps": polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. Lack of interest in sweet foods, fatigue, and foul-smelling urine are not suggestive of diabetes.
Which of the following is a risk factor for the development of diabetes mellitus? Select all that apply.
-Hypertension -Obesity -Family history -Age greater of 45 years or older -History of gestational diabetes Explanation: Risk factors for the development of diabetes mellitus include hypertension, obesity, family history, age of 45 years or older, and a history of gestational diabetes.
Exercise lowers blood glucose levels. Which of the following are the physiologic reasons that explain this statement. Select all that apply.
-Increases lean muscle mass -Increases resting metabolic rate as muscle size increases -Decreases total cholesterol -Increases glucose uptake by body muscles Explanation: All of the options are benefits of exercise except the effect of decreasing the levels of HDL. Exercise increases the levels of HDL.
Which statement indicates that a client with diabetes mellitus understands proper foot care?
"I'll wear cotton socks with well-fitting shoes." Explanation: The client demonstrates understanding of proper foot care if he states that he'll wear cotton socks with well-fitting shoes because cotton socks wick moisture away from the skin, helping to prevent fungal infections, and well-fitting shoes help avoid pressure areas. Aching isn't a common sign of foot problems; however, a tingling sensation in the feet indicates neurovascular changes. Injecting insulin into the foot may lead to infection. The client shouldn't go barefoot. Doing so can cause injury.
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." Explanation: The nurse should instruct a client with diabetes mellitus to check his blood glucose levels every 3 to 4 hours and take insulin or an oral antidiabetic agent as usual, even when he's sick. If the client's blood glucose level rises above 300 mg/dl, he should call his physician immediately. If the client is unable to follow the regular meal plan because of nausea, he should substitute soft foods, such as gelatin, soup, and custard.
A nurse is aware that insulin secretion increases 3 to 5 minutes after a meal and then returns to baseline. If a patient ate breakfast at 7:30 AM, the nurse would expect a baseline level by:
10:30 AM Explanation: Serum insulin levels return to baseline within 2 to 3 hours.
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. Explanation: The nurse should instruct the client to administer 1 unit of insulin for every 15 g of carbohydrates.
A client newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes has an unusual increase in blood glucose from bedtime to morning. The physician suspects the client is experiencing insulin waning. Based on this diagnosis, the nurse expects which change to the client's medication regimen?
Administering a dose of intermediate-acting insulin before the evening meal Explanation: Insulin waning is a progressive rise in blood glucose form bedtime to morning. Treatment includes increasing the evening (before dinner or bedtime) dose of intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin or instituting a dose of insulin before the evening meal if that is not already part of the treatment regimen.
Which would be included in the teaching plan for a client diagnosed with diabetes mellitus?
An elevated blood glucose concentration contributes to complications of diabetes, such as diminished vision. Explanation: Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among people between 20 and 74 years of age in the United States; it occurs in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. When blood glucose is well controlled, the potential for complications of diabetes is reduced. Several types of foods contain sugar, including cereals, sauces, salad dressings, fruits, and fruit juices. It is not feasible, nor advisable, to remove all sources of sugar from the diet. If the diabetes had been well controlled without insulin before the period of acute stress causing the need for insulin, the client may be able to resume previous methods for control of diabetes when the stress is resolved.
Insulin is secreted by which of the following types of cells?
Beta cells Explanation: Insulin is secreted by the beta cells, in the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas. In diabetes, cells may stop responding to insulin, or the pancreas may decrease insulin secretion or stop insulin production completely. Melanocytes are what give the skin its pigment. Neural cells transmit impulses in the brain and spinal cord. Basal cells are a type of skin cell.
A client is diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Which assessment finding best supports a nursing diagnosis of Ineffective coping related to diabetes mellitus?
Crying whenever diabetes is mentioned Explanation: A client who cries whenever diabetes is mentioned is demonstrating ineffective coping. A recent weight gain and failure to monitor blood glucose levels would support a nursing diagnosis of Noncompliance: Failure to adhere to therapeutic regimen. Skipping insulin doses during illness would support a nursing diagnosis of Deficient knowledge related to treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Which age-related change may affect diabetes and its management?
Decreased renal function Explanation: Decreased renal function affects the management of diabetes. With decreasing renal function, it takes longer for oral hypoglycemic agents to be excreted by the kidneys, and changes in insulin clearance occur with decreased renal function. Other age-related changes that may affect diabetes and its management include hypertension, decreased bowel motility, and decreased thirst.
A nurse is preparing to discharge a client with coronary artery disease and hypertension who is at risk for type 2 diabetes. Which information is important to include in the discharge teaching?
How to control blood glucose through lifestyle modification with diet and exercise Explanation: Persons at high risk for type 2 diabetes receive standard lifestyle recommendations plus metformin, standard lifestyle recommendations plus placebo, or an intensive program of lifestyle modifications. The 16-lesson curriculum of the intensive program of lifestyle modifications focuses on reducing weight by more than 7% of initial body weight and moderate-intensity physical activity. It also includes behavior modification strategies designed to help clients achieve the goals of weight reduction and participation in exercise. These findings demonstrate that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed in persons at high risk for the disease.
For a client with hyperglycemia, which assessment finding best supports a nursing diagnosis of Deficient fluid volume?
Increased urine osmolarity Explanation: In hyperglycemia, urine osmolarity (the measurement of dissolved particles in the urine) increases as glucose particles move into the urine. The client experiences glucosuria and polyuria, losing body fluids and experiencing deficient fluid volume. Cool, clammy skin; jugular vein distention; and a decreased serum sodium level are signs of fluid volume excess, the opposite imbalance.
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 Explanation: Glucose supplies most of the calories in TPN; if the glucose infusion rate exceeds the client's rate of glucose metabolism, hyperglycemia arises. When the renal threshold for glucose reabsorption is exceeded, osmotic diuresis occurs, causing an increased urine output. A decreased appetite and diaphoresis suggest hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia. Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by a period of apnea lasting 10 to 60 seconds, followed by gradually increasing depth and frequency of respirations. Cheyne-Stokes respirations typically occur with cerebral depression or heart failure.
A patient is prescribed Glucophage, an oral antidiabetic agent classified as a biguanide. The nurse knows that a primary action of this drug is its ability to:
Inhibit the production of glucose by the liver. Explanation: The action of the biguanides can be found in Table 30-6 in the text.
Which is a by-product of fat breakdown in the absence of insulin and accumulates in the blood and urine?
Ketones Explanation: Ketones are by-products of fat breakdown in the absence of insulin, and they accumulate in the blood and urine. Creatinine, hemoglobin, and cholesterol are not by-products of fat breakdown.
A client newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is attending a nutrition class. What general guideline should the nurse teach the clients at this class?
Most calories should be derived from carbohydrates. Explanation: For all levels of caloric intake, 50% to 60% of calories should be derived from carbohydrates, 20% to 30% from fat, and the remaining 10% to 20% from protein. Low fat does not automatically mean low sugar. Dietary animal fat does not need to be eliminated from the diet.
A client with type 1 diabetes is experiencing polyphagia. The nurse knows to assess for which additional clinical manifestation(s) associated with this classic symptom?
Muscle wasting and tissue loss Explanation: Polyphagia results from the catabolic state induced by insulin deficiency and the breakdown of proteins and fats. Although clients with type 1 diabetes may experience polyphagia (increased hunger), they may also exhibit muscle wasting, subcutaneous tissue loss, and weight loss due to impaired glucose and protein metabolism and impaired fatty acid storage.
A characteristic of type 2 diabetes includes which of the following?
No islet cell antibodies Explanation: Type 2 diabetes is characterized by no islet cell antibodies or a decrease in endogenous insulin or increase with insulin resistance. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by production of little or no insulin; the patient is ketosis-prone when insulin is absent and often has islet cell antibodies.
An older adult patient that has type 2 diabetes comes to the emergency department with second-degree burns to the bottom of both feet and states, "I didn't feel too hot but my feet must have been too close to the heater." What does the nurse understand is most likely the reason for the decreasonane in temperature sensation?
Peripheral neuropathy Explanation: As the neuropathy progresses, the feet become numb. In addition, a decrease in proprioception (awareness of posture and movement of the body and of position and weight of objects in relation to the body) and a decreased sensation of light touch may lead to an unsteady gait. Decreased sensations of pain and temperature place patients with neuropathy at increased risk for injury and undetected foot infections.
After being sick for 3 days, a client with a history of diabetes mellitus is admitted to the hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The nurse should evaluate which diagnostic test results to prevent dysrhythmias?
Serum potassium level Explanation: The nurse should monitor the client's potassium level because during periods of acidosis, potassium leaves the cell, causing hyperkalemia. As blood glucose levels normalize with treatment, potassium reenters the cell, causing hypokalemia if levels aren't monitored closely. Hypokalemia places the client at risk for cardiac arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia. DKA has a lesser affect on serum calcium, sodium, and chloride levels. Changes in these levels don't typically cause cardiac arrhythmias.
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 Explanation: A client with type 1 diabetes who requires glucagon should be given a complex carbohydrate snack as soon as possible to restore the liver glycogen and prevent secondary hypoglycemia. A complex carbohydrate snack doesn't decrease the possibility of nausea and vomiting or stimulate the appetite, and it increases the amount of glycogen in the system.
The greatest percentage of people have which type of diabetes?
Type 2 Explanation: Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% to 95% of all diabetes. Type 1 accounts for 5% to 10% of all diabetes. Gestational diabetes has an onset during pregnancy. Impaired glucose tolerance is defined as an oral glucose tolerance test value between 140 mg/dL and 200 mg/dL.
The nurse understands that a client with diabetes mellitus is at greater risk for developing which of the following complications?
Urinary tract infections Explanation: Elevated levels of blood glucose and glycosuria supports bacterial growth and places the diabetic at greater risk for urinary tract, skin, and vaginal infections. Obesity, elevated triglycerides, and high blood pressure are considered symptoms of metabolic syndrome, which can result in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
A client with type 1 diabetes reports waking up in the middle of the night feeling nervous and confused, with tremors, sweating, and a feeling of hunger. Morning fasting blood glucose readings have been 110 to 140 mg/dL. The client admits to exercising excessively and skipping meals over the past several weeks. Based on these symptoms, the nurse plans to instruct the client to
check blood glucose at 3:00 a.m Explanation: In the Somogyi effect, the client has a normal or elevated blood glucose concentration at bedtime, which decreases to hypoglycemic levels at 2 to 3 a.m., and subsequently increases as a result of the production of counter-regulatory hormones. It is important to check blood glucose in the early morning hours to detect the initial hypoglycemia.
A nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client with diabetes mellitus. A client with diabetes mellitus should:
wash and inspect the feet daily. Explanation: A client with diabetes mellitus should wash and inspect his feet daily and should wear nonconstrictive shoes. Corns should be treated by a podiatrist — not with commercial preparations. Nails should be filed straight across. Clients with diabetes mellitus should never walk barefoot.
The nurse is providing information about foot care to a client with diabetes. Which of the following would the nurse include?
"Be sure to apply a moisturizer to feet daily." Explanation: The nurse should advise the client to apply a moisturizer to the feet daily. The client should use warm water not hot water to bathe his feet. Razors to remove corns or calluses must be avoided to prevent injury and infection. The client should wear well-fitting comfortable shoes, avoiding shoes made of rubber, plastic or vinyl which would cause the feet to perspire.
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 Explanation: Increased fiber in the diet may improve blood glucose levels, decrease the need for exogenous insulin, and lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels in the blood (ADA, 2008b; Geil, 2008).
When referred to a podiatrist, a client newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus asks, "Why do you need to check my feet when I'm having a problem with my blood sugar?" The nurse's most helpful response to this statement is:
"Diabetes can affect sensation in your feet and you can hurt yourself without realizing it." Explanation: The nurse should make the client aware that diabetes affects sensation in the feet and that he might hurt his foot but not feel the wound. Although it's important that the client's shoes fit properly, this isn't the only reason the client's feet need to be checked. Telling the client that diabetes mellitus increases the risk of infection or stating that the circulation in the client's feet indicates the severity of his diabetes doesn't provide the client with complete information.
A controlled type 2 diabetic client states, "The doctor said if my blood sugars remain stable, I may not need to take any medication." Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
"Diet, exercise, and weight loss can eliminate the need for medication." Explanation: Dieting, exercise, and weight loss can control and/or delay the need for medication to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in some clients. Because the client is controlling blood sugars, changing the diet is not indicated. Controlling blood glucose levels will prevent multisystem complications and should be the mainstay of treatment for diabetes mellitus. Although clarification is appropriate, stating the client misunderstood can close the line of communication between client and nurse.
A 1200-calorie diet and exercise are prescribed for a client with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. The nurse is teaching the client about meal planning using exchange lists. The teaching is determined to be effective based on which statement by the client?
"For dinner I ate a 3-ounce hamburger on a bun, with ketchup, pickle, and onion; a green salad with 1 teaspoon Italian dressing; 1 cup of watermelon; and a diet soda." Explanation: There are six main exchange lists: bread/starch, vegetable, milk, meat, fruit, and fat. Foods within one group (in the portion amounts specified) contain equal numbers of calories and are approximately equal in grams of protein, fat, and carbohydrate. Meal plans can be based on a recommended number of choices from each exchange list. Foods on one list may be interchanged with one another, allowing for variety while maintaining as much consistency as possible in the nutrient content of foods eaten. For example, 2 starch = 2 slices bread or a hamburger bun, 3 meat = 3 oz lean beef patty, 1 vegetable = green salad, 1 fat = 1 tbsp salad dressing, 1 fruit = 1 cup watermelon; "free" items like diet soda are optional.
A client is evaluated for type 1 diabetes. Which client comment correlates best with this disorder?
"I'm thirsty all the time. I just can't get enough to drink." Explanation: Classic signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus are polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyuria (excessive urination), and polyphagia (excessive appetite). Decreased appetite, lingering cough and cold, and pain on urination aren't related to diabetes. Decreased appetite reflects a GI disorder; cough and cold indicate an upper respiratory problem; and pain on urination suggests a urinary tract infection.
Health teaching for a patient with diabetes who is prescribed Humulin N, an intermediate NPH insulin, would include which of the following advice?
"You should take your insulin after you eat breakfast and dinner." Explanation: NPH (Humulin N) insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin that has an onset of 2 to 4 hours, a peak effectiveness of 6 to 8 hours, and a duration of 12 to 16 hours. See Table 30-3 in the text.
A client has just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. When teaching the client and family how diet and exercise affect insulin requirements, the nurse should include which guideline?
"You'll need less insulin when you exercise or reduce your food intake." Explanation: The nurse should advise the client that exercise, reduced food intake, hypothyroidism, and certain medications decrease insulin requirements. Growth, pregnancy, greater food intake, stress, surgery, infection, illness, increased insulin antibodies, and certain medications increase insulin requirements.
A nurse prepares teaching for a client with newly-diagnosed diabetes. Which statements about the role of insulin will the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply.
-"Insulin permits entry of glucose into the cells of the body." -"Insulin promotes synthesis of proteins in various body tissues." -"Insulin promotes the storage of fat in adipose tissue." Explanation: Insulin is a hormone secreted by the endocrine part of the pancreas. In addition to lowering blood glucose by permitting entry of glucose into the cells, insulin also promotes protein synthesis and the storage of fat in adipose tissue. Somatostatin exerts a hypoglycemic effect by interfering with glucagon from the pancreas and the release of growth hormone from the pituitary.
A client with diabetes calls the clinic reporting a "flu bug." What should the nurse tell the client to do? Select all that apply.
-"Try to eat small amounts of carbs, if possible." -"Take your usual dose of insulin." Explanation: For prevention of DKA related to illness, the client should attempt to consume frequent small portions of carbohydrates (including foods usually avoided, such as juices, regular sodas, and gelatin). Drinking fluids every hour is important to prevent dehydration. Blood glucose and urine ketones must be assessed every 3 to 4 hours and the client should take the usual dose of insulin.
A hospitalized, insulin-dependent patient with diabetes has been experiencing morning hyperglycemia. The patient will be awakened once or twice during the night to test blood glucose levels. The health care provider suspects that the cause is related to the Somogyi effect. Which of the following indicators support this diagnosis? Select all that apply.
-Normal bedtime blood glucose -Increase in blood glucose from 3:00 AM until breakfast -Decrease in blood sugar to a hypoglycemic level between 2:00 to 3:00 AM Explanation: The Somogyi effect is nocturnal hypoglycemia followed by rebound hyperglycemia in the morning.
Which of the following would the nurse most likely assess in a client with diabetes who is experiencing autonomic neuropathy?
Erectile dysfunction Explanation: Autonomic neuropathy affects organ functioning. According the American Diabetes Association, up to 50% of men with diabetes develop erectile dysfunction when nerves that promote erection become impaired. Skeletal deformities and soft tissue ulcers may occur with motor neuropathy. Paresthesias are associated with sensory neuropathy.
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. 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 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 Explanation: The nurse should administer 50% dextrose solution to restore the client's physiological integrity. Feeding through a feeding tube isn't appropriate for this client. A bolus of normal saline solution doesn't provide the client with the much-needed glucose. Observing the client for 1 hour delays treatment. The client's blood glucose level could drop further during this time, placing him at risk for irreversible brain damage.
A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is seeing the nurse to review foot care. What would be a priority instruction for the nurse to give the client?
Avoid hot-water bottles and heating pads. Explanation: High-risk behaviors, such as walking barefoot, using heating pads on the feet, wearing open-toed shoes, soaking the feet, and shaving calluses, should be avoided.Socks should be worn for warmth. Feet should be examined each day for cuts, blisters, swelling, redness, tenderness, and abrasions. Lotion should be applied to dry feet but never between the toes. After a bath, the client should gently, not vigorously, pat feet dry to avoid injury.
A nurse is caring for a client newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The nurse is educating the client about self-administration of insulin in the home setting. The nurse should teach the client to do what action?
Avoid using the same injection site more than once in 2 to 3 weeks. Explanation: To prevent lipodystrophy, the client should try not to use the same site more than once in 2 to 3 weeks. Mixing different types of insulin in a syringe is acceptable, within specific guidelines, and the needle is usually inserted at a 90 degree angle. Cleansing the injection site with alcohol is optional.
Which is the primary dietary consideration for a client receiving insulin isophane suspension (NPH) at breakfast?
Encourage midday snack. Explanation: Because NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin that peaks in approximately 4 to 12 hours, a midday snack should be included in daily calorie intake to avoid hypoglycemia. NPH insulin has no immediate effects. Carbohydrates are distributed throughout the meal plan of diabetics to avoid highs and lows. Delaying dinner meal is not indicated with NPH insulin use.
Which assessment finding is most important in determining nursing care for a client with diabetes mellitus?
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.
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 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.
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 Explanation: This client's abnormally high blood glucose level indicates hyperglycemia, which typically causes polyuria, polyphagia, and polydipsia. Because polyuria leads to fluid loss, the nurse should expect to assess signs of deficient fluid volume, such as a rapid, thready pulse; decreased blood pressure; and rapid respirations. Cool, moist skin and arm and leg trembling are associated with hypoglycemia. Rapid respirations — not slow, shallow ones — are associated with hyperglycemia.
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 Explanation: Headache, sweating, tremor, pallor, and nervousness typically result from hypoglycemia, an insulin reaction in which serum glucose level drops below 70 mg/dl. Hypoglycemia may occur 4 to 18 hours after administration of isophane insulin suspension or insulin zinc suspension (Lente), which are intermediate-acting insulins. Although hypoglycemia may occur at any time, it usually precedes meals. Hyperglycemia, in which serum glucose level is above 180 mg/dl, causes such early manifestations as fatigue, malaise, drowsiness, polyuria, and polydipsia. A serum calcium level of 8.9 mg/dl or 10.2 mg/dl is within normal range and wouldn't cause the client's symptoms.
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 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. Explanation: The beta cells of the pancreas secrete insulin. The adenohypophysis, or anterior pituitary gland, secretes many hormones, such as growth hormone, prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, corticotropin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone, but not insulin. The alpha cells of the pancreas secrete glucagon, which raises the blood glucose level. The parafollicular cells of the thyroid secrete the hormone calcitonin, which plays a role in calcium metabolism.