Diabetes

A clinical feature that distinguishes a hypoglycemic reaction from a ketoacidosis reaction is: A. Blurred vision B. Diaphoresis C. Nausea D. Weakness

B

Albert refuses his bedtime snack. This should alert the nurse to assess for: A. Elevated serum bicarbonate and a decreased 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

B

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 hours B. 10-14 hours C. 16-20 hours D. 24-28 hours

C

The lowest fasting plasma glucose level suggestive of a diagnosis of DM is: A. 90 B. 115 C. 126 D. 180

C

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%

C

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

B The fingertip is preferred for glucose monitoring if hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia, is suspected.

Which of the following methods of insulin administration would be used in the initial treatment of hyperglycemia in a client with diabetic ketoacidosis? A. Subcutaneous B. Intramuscular C. IV bolus only D. IV bolus, followed by continuous infusion

D 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, subcutaneous insulin is given. Insulin is never given intramuscularly.

A nurse performs a physical assessment on a client with type 2 DM. Findings include a fasting blood glucose of 120mg/dl, temperature 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. Respiration D. Temperature

D An elevated temperature may indicate infection. Infection is a leading cause of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome or diabetic ketoacidosis.

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

B

The insulin that has the most rapid onset of action would be: A. Lente B. Lispro C. Ultralente D. Humulin N

B Lispro has an immediate onset, a peak of 30-90 minutes, and duration of 2-4 hours.

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

B NPH is 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.

A client's blood gases reflect diabetic acidosis. The nurse should expect: A. Increased pH B. Decreased PO2 C. Increased PCO2 D. Decreased HCO3

D 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 an increase of metabolic acids

A clinical instructor teaches a class for the public about diabetes mellitus. Which individual does the nurse assess as being at highest risk for developing diabetes? A. The 50 year old who does not get any physical exercise B. The 56 year old who drinks 3 glasses of wine each evening C. The 42 year old who is 50 pounds overweight D. The 38 year old who smokes 1 pack of cigarettes/day

C Obesity increases the likelihood of developing diabetes mellitus due to over stimulation of the endocrine system. Exercise is important, but lack of exercise is not as big a risk factor as obesity. Smoking is a serious health concern but is not a specific risk factor for diabetes. Consuming alcohol is associated with liver disease but is not as high a risk factor for diabetes as obesity.

Rotation sites for insulin injection should be separated from one another by 2.5 cm (1 inch) and should be used only every: A. Third day B. Week C. 2-3 weeks D. 2-4 weeks

C To prevent lipodystrophy

Knowing that gluconeogenesis helps to maintain blood levels, a nurse should: A. Document weight changes because of fatty acid mobilization B. Evaluate the pt's sensitivity to low room temperatures because of decreased adipose tissue insulation C. Protect the patient form sources of infection because of decreased cellular protein deposits D. Do all of the above

D

Which of the following causes of HHNS is most common? A. Insulin overdose B. Removal of the adrenal gland C. Undiagnosed, untreated HTN D. Undiagnosed, untreated DM

D

Clinical manifestations associated with a diagnosis of type 1 DM include all of the following except: A. Hypoglycemia B. Hyponatremia C. Ketonuria D. Polyphagia

A

A client with type 1 DM calls the nurse to report recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia with 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

A 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.

Glucose is an important molecule in a cell because this molecule is primarily used for: A. Extraction of energy B. Synthesis of protein C. Building of genetic material D. Formation of cell membranes

A Glucose catabolism is the main pathway for cellular energy production.

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

C During periods of infection or illness, diabetics may need even more insulin to compensate for increased blood glucose levels

A client with 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 cup of orange juice C

C A value of 258mg/dl is above the expected range of 70-105 mg/dl; the nurse should administer the insulin as ordered.

An external insulin pump is prescribed for a client with DM. 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 dosage 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

A

A client with 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

A An understanding of the diet is imperative for compliance. A balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats usually apportioned over three main meals and two between meals snacks needs to be tailored to the client's specific needs, with due regard for activity, diet, and therapy.

A client with DM has an above-knee amputation because 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 high-Fowlers position D. Ensure that the client's residual limb is elevated

A Because 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 is in DKA, secondary to infection. As the condition progresses, which of the following symptoms might the nurse see? A. Kussmaul;s 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

A Coma and severe acidosis are ushered in with Kussmaul's respirations (very deep but not labored respirations) and a fruity odor on the breath (acetone breath).

A client with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (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

A In diabetic acidosis, the arterial pH is less than 7.35. plasma bicarbonate is less than 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 Kussmaul's respirations would be present. A comatose state may occur if DKA is not treated, but coma would not confirm the diagnosis

A nurse is preparing a plan of care for a client with 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. Disable family coping: compromised

A 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.

A client with diabetes mellitus 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 clients regimen, may have contributed to the hyperglycemia? A. Prednisone (Deltasone) B. Atenolol (Tenormin) C. Phenelzine (Nardil) D. Allopurinol (Zyloprim)

A Prednisone may decrease the effect of oral hypoglycemics, insulin, diuretics, and potassium supplements.

Serafica who has diabetes mellitus type 1 is found unresponsive in the clinical setting. Which nursing action is a priority? arrange from 1 to 4. 1. Treat the client for hypoglycemia. 2. Call the physician STAT. 3. Assess the vital signs. 4. Call a code. A. 1, 2, 3, 4 B. 1, 3, 2, 4 C. 3, 1, 2, 4 D. 4, 3, 2, 1

A When a patient with diabetes mellitus type 1 is unresponsive, the nurse should focus on and treat for hypoglycemia, as this is more likely than hyperglycemia. This is an emergency situation where the nurse must act before calling the physician. Vital signs should be taken after the client is treated for hypoglycemia. Assessment for ABCs should precede calling a code; there is no information that the client is not breathing.

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 intravenously B. Administer 5% dextrose intravenously C. Correct the acidosis D. Apply an electrocardiogram monitor

A lack (absolute or relative) of insulin is the primary cause of DK1. Treatment consists of insulin administration (regular insulin), IV fluid administration (normal saline initially), and potassium replacement, followed by correcting acidosis. Applying an electrocardiogram monitor is not a priority action.

Which adaptations should the nurse caring for a client with diabetic ketoacidosis expect the client to exhibit? Select all that apply: A. Sweating B. Low PCO2 C. Retinopathy D. Acetone breath E. Elevated serum bicarbonate

B, C Metabolic acidosis initiates respiratory compensation in the form of Kussmaul's 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.

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 subcutaneous insulin and monitor blood glucose B. Monitor blood glucose closely, and look for signs of hypoglycemia C. Monitor blood glucose and assess for signs of hyperglycemia

B When a client who has taken an oral antidiabetic agent vomits, the nurse would monitor glucose and assess him frequently for signs of hypoglycemic. 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 the glucose levels, causing hypoglycemia. The client wouldn't have hyperglycemia if the glyburide was absorbed.

Which of the following chronic complications is associated with diabetes? A. Dizziness, dyspnea on exertion, and coronary artery disease B. Retinopathy, neuropathy, and coronary artery disease C. Leg ulcers, cerebral ischemic events, and pulmonary infarcts D. Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrhythmias

B These are all chronic complications of diabetes. Dizziness, dyspnea on exertion, and coronary artery disease are symptoms of aortic valve stenosis. Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrhythmias are symptoms of hyperparathyroidism. Leg ulcers, cerebral ischemic events, and pulmonary infarcts are complications of sickle cell anemia

Dr. Shrunk orders intravenous (IV) insulin for Rita, a client with a blood sugar of 563. Nurse AJ administers insulin lispro (Humalog) intravenously (IV). What does the best evaluation of the nurse reveal? Select all that apply. A. The nurse could have given the insulin subcutaneously B. The nurse should have contacted the physician C. The nurse should have used regular insulin (Humulin R) D. The nurse used the correct insulin

B, C Regular insulin is the only insulin that can be given intravenously (IV). The nurse did not use correct insulin as it was not regular insulin. Contact the provider to clarify the order, regular insulin is the only insulin that can be given intravenously (IV). The nurse cannot give the insulin subcutaneously when it is ordered to be given intravenously (IV).

Jansen is receiving metformin (Glucophage). What will be the best plan of the nurse with regard to patient education with this drug? Select all that apply. A. It stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin B. It must be taken with meals C. It decreases sugar production in the liver D. It inhibits absorption of carbohydrates E. It reduces insulin resistance

B, C, E Metformin (Glucophage) reduces insulin resistance, decreases sugar production in the liver, and should be taken with meals for the best absorption and effect. It does not stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin and does not inhibit the absorption of carbohydrates.

The nurse is admitting a client with 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

B, C, E Palpitations, an adrenergic symptom, occur as the glucose levels fall; the sympathetic nervous system is activated and epinephrine and norepinephrine are secreted causing this response. Diaphoresis is a sympathetic nervous system 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.

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

B. Regular insulin (Humulin R) is a short-acting insulin and is administered via IV with 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 hours until blood glucose becomes <13.9 mmol/L (<250 mg/dL). At this point, insulin dose should be decreased by half, to 0.1 units/kg every 2 hours, until the resolution of DKA.

When a client is first admitted with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS), the nurse's priority is to provide: A. Oxygen B. Carbohydrates C. Fluid replacement D. Dietary instruction

C As a result of osmotic pressures created by increased serum glucose, the cells become dehydrated; the client must receive fluid and then insulin.

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

C 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.

Marlisa has been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus type 1. She asks Nurse Errol what this means. What is the best response by the nurse? Select all that apply. A. Your alpha cells should be able to secrete insulin, but cannot B. The exocrine function of your pancreas is to secrete insulin C. Without insulin, you will develop DKA D. The endocrine function of your pancreas is to secrete insulin E. It means your pancreas cannot secrete insulin

C, D, E One function of your pancreas is to secrete insulin. The endocrine function of the pancreas is to secrete insulin. The endocrine, not the exocrine, function of the pancreas is to secrete insulin. Insulin is secreted by the beta, not the alpha, cells of the pancreas. A consequence of diabetes mellitus type 1 is that without insulin, severe metabolic disturbances, such as ketoacidosis (DKA) will result.

Clinical nursing assessment for a patient with 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 of the feet after the legs are elevate for 60 seconds D. Palpation for increased pulse volume in the arteries of the lower extremities

D

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. 1. Inject air equal to NPH dose into NPH vial 2. Invert regular insulin bottle and withdraw regular insulin dose 3. Inject air equal to regular dose into regular dose 4. Invert NPH vial and withdraw NPH dose. A. 1, 2, 3, 4 B. 1, 4, 3, 2 C. 1, 4, 2, 3 D. 1, 3, 2, 4

D

Insulin forces which of the following electrolytes out of the plasma and into the cells? A. Calcium B. Magnesium C. Phosphorus D. Potassium

D Insulin forces potassium out of the plasma, back into the cells, causing hypokalemia. Potassium is needed to help transport glucose and insulin into the cells. Calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus aren't affected by insulin.

A client with 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

D The most appropriate intervention is to address the client's feelings related to the anxiety. Administering a sedative is not the most appropriate intervention. The nurse should not ignore the client's anxious feelings. A client will not relate to medical terms, particularly when anxiety exists.