Diabetes Mellitus

The nurse is monitoring a client who has been newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus for signs of complications. Which statement made by the client would indicate hyperglycemia and thus warrant health care provider notification?

"I am urinating a lot."

3. A client who has been newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus has been stabilized with daily insulin injections. Which teaching information should the nurse reinforce upon discharge?

Rotate the insulin injection sites systematically.

The nurse reinforces teaching with a client with diabetes mellitus regarding differentiating between hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis. The client demonstrates an understanding of the teaching by stating that glucose will be taken if which symptom develops?

Shakiness

10. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is to begin an exercise program, and the nurse is reinforcing instructions to the client regarding the program. Which should the nurse include in the instructions?

Take a blood glucose test before exercising.

1. The nurse is assisting with preparing a teaching plan for the client with diabetes mellitus regarding proper foot care. Which instruction should be included in the plan of care?

Apply a moisturizing lotion to dry feet, but not between the toes

21. The nurse is assisting in preparing a care plan for a client with diabetes mellitus who has hyperglycemia. The nurse should focus on which potential problem for this client?

Dehydration

25. The nurse has collected data on a client with diabetes mellitus. Findings include a fasting blood glucose of 130 mg/dL, temperature 101° F, pulse of 88 beats per minute, respirations of 22 breaths per minute, and a blood pressure of 118/78 mm Hg. Which finding would be of concern to the nurse?

Temperature

16. The nurse is reinforcing instructions to a client with diabetes mellitus about blood glucose monitoring and monitoring for signs of hypoglycemia. The nurse should teach the client that which result is a sign of hypoglycemia?

Less than 50 mg/dL

11. Which client complaint should alert the nurse to a possible hypoglycemic reaction?

Tremors and double vision

15. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus takes NPH insulin every morning and checks the blood glucose level four times per day. The client tells the nurse that yesterday the late afternoon blood glucose was 60 mg/dL and that she "felt funny." Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of this occurrence?

"I forgot to take my usual mid-afternoon snack yesterday."

2. The nurse provides dietary instructions to a client with diabetes mellitus regarding the prescribed diabetic diet. Which statement made by the client indicates the need for further teaching?

"I need to buy special dietetic foods."

22. The nurse is assigned to care for a client at home who has a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. When the nurse arrives to care for the client, the client tells the nurse that she has been vomiting and has diarrhea. Which additional statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

"I need to stop my insulin."

9. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus calls the nurse to report recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia. Which statement by the client indicates a correct understanding of Humulin N insulin and exercise?

"I should not exercise in the late afternoon."

When the nurse is reinforcing instructions to a client who has been newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus, which statement by the client would indicate that teaching has been effective?

"I will notify my health care provider if my blood glucose level is consistently greater than 250 mg/dL."

23. The nurse is assigned to assist in caring for a client admitted to the emergency department with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which is the priority nursing action for this client who is in the acute phase?

Administer intravenous (IV) regular insulin.

14. The nurse enters the room of a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus and finds the client difficult to arouse. The client's skin is warm and flushed, and the pulse and respiratory rate are elevated from the client's baseline. Which action should the nurse implement?

Check the client's capillary blood glucose.

18. A client with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is being treated in the emergency department. Which finding should the nurse expect to note as confirming this diagnosis?

Elevated blood glucose and low plasma bicarbonate

12. After several diagnostic tests, a client is diagnosed with diabetes insipidus. The nurse understands that which signs/symptoms are indicative of this disorder?

Excessive thirst and urine output

24. A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus has a blood glucose of more than 600 mg/dL and is complaining of polydipsia, polyuria, weight loss, and weakness. The nurse reviews the health care provider's documentation and would expect to note which diagnosis?

Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS)

19. A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The initial serum glucose level was 950 mg/dL. Intravenous (IV) insulin was started along with rehydration with IV normal saline. The serum glucose level is now 240 mg/dL. The nurse who is assisting in caring for the client obtains which item, anticipating a health care provider's prescription?

IV infusion containing 5% dextrose

13. The nurse is providing instructions to a client newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The nurse gives the client a list of the signs of hyperglycemia. Which specific signs of this complication should be included on the list?

Increased thirst

17. A client is brought to the emergency department in an unresponsive state, and a diagnosis of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) is made. The nurse who is assisting with care for the client obtains which item in preparation for the treatment of this syndrome?

Intravenous (IV) infusion of normal saline

The nurse is reinforcing instructions with a client with diabetes mellitus who is recovering from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) regarding measures to prevent a recurrence. Which instruction is important for the nurse to emphasize?

Monitor blood glucose levels frequently.

8. The nurse notes that a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus has lipodystrophy on both upper thighs. Which further information should the nurse obtain from the client during data collection?

Plan for injection rotation

20. A client with diabetes mellitus is being discharged following treatment for hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) precipitated by acute illness. The client states to the nurse, "I will call the doctor next time I can't eat for more than a day or so." The nurse plans care, understanding that which statement accurately reflects this client's level of knowledge?

The client needs immediate education before discharge.