NURS 102 Diabetes NCLEX-RN® Exam, 9e

The nurse is monitoring a client who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus and is being treated with NPH and regular insulin. Which manifestations would alert the nurse to the presence of a possible hypoglycemic reaction? Select all that apply. 1. Tremors 2. Anorexia 3. Irritability 4. Nervousness 5. Hot, dry skin 6. Muscle cramps

1,3,4 Decreased blood glucose levels produce autonomic nervous system symptoms, which are manifested classically as nervousness, irritability, and tremors. Option 5 is more likely to occur with hyperglycemia. Options 2 and 6 are unrelated to the manifestations of hypoglycemia. In hypoglycemia, usually the client feels hunger.

The nurse teaches a class on foot care for clients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Which instructions would the nurse include in the class? Select all that apply 1. Wear closed-toe shoes. 2. Soak feet in hot water twice a day. 3. Massage lanolin lotion between the toes. 4. Cut toenails straight across and file the edges. 5. Pat feet dry gently, especially between the toes.

1,4,5 People with diabetes mellitus are at high risk for foot ulcerations and resultant lower extremity amputations. The development of diabetic foot complications can be the result of a combination of microvascular and macrovascular diseases that place the client at risk for injury and serious infection. Options 1, 4, and 5 are correct, as measures need to be taken to teach clients how to prevent foot ulcers and injury. These measures include wearing closed-toe shoes to protect the feet and toes (especially for those with peripheral neuropathy), cutting toenails straight across and filing the edges to avoid sharp toenail edges and cutting the skin of the toe, and drying the feet gently and thoroughly (including between the toes) to prevent maceration of the skin and infections. Option 2 is incorrect, as clients with diabetes would avoid hot water due to neuropathy and possible burns. Option 3 is incorrect, as lotion between the toes is not advised; it is necessary to keep the area between the toes dry to avoid maceration and infections.

The home health nurse visits a client with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. The client reports a history of vomiting and diarrhea and tells the nurse that no food has been consumed for the last 24 hours. Which additional statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching? 1. "I need to stop my insulin." 2. "I need to increase my fluid intake." 3. "I need to monitor my blood glucose every 3 to 4 hours." 4. "I need to call my primary health care provider (PHCP) because of these symptoms."

1. "I need to stop my insulin." When a client with diabetes mellitus is unable to eat normally because of illness, the client still should take the prescribed insulin or oral medication. The client should consume additional fluids and should notify the PHCP. The client should monitor the blood glucose level every 3 to 4 hours. The client should also monitor the urine for ketones during illness.

The nurse caring for a client who underwent intracranial surgery is suspected of having diabetes insipidus. Which finding noted by the nurse is consistent with this complication of surgery? 1. Complaints of excessive thirst 2. Urine specific gravity of 1.030 3. Urine output of 10 to 15 mL/hour 4. Systolic blood pressures running consistently over 150 mm Hg

1. Complaints of excessive thirst Diabetes insipidus results from insufficient antidiuretic hormone (ADH) production, which in this case was caused by the intracranial surgery. Findings associated with diabetes insipidus include greatly increased urine output, low urine specific gravity (<1.005), hypotension, signs of dehydration, increased plasma osmolarity, increased thirst, and output that does not decrease when fluid intake decreases. A complaint of thirst is the only option consistent with diabetes insipidus.

The nurse is monitoring a client newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus for signs of complications. Which sign or symptom, if frequently exhibited in the client, indicates that the client is at risk for chronic complications of diabetes if the blood glucose is not adequately managed? 1. Polyuria 2. Diaphoresis 3. Pedal edema 4. Decreased respiratory rate

1. Polyuria Chronic hyperglycemia, resulting from poor glycemic control, contributes to the microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Classic symptoms of hyperglycemia include polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia. Diaphoresis may occur in hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is an acute complication of diabetes mellitus; however, it does not predispose a client to the chronic complications of diabetes mellitus. Therefore, option 2 can be eliminated because this finding is characteristic of hypoglycemia. Options 3 and 4 are not associated with diabetes mellitus.

A client with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is being treated in the emergency department. Which findings support this diagnosis? Select all that apply. 1. Increase in pH 2. Comatose state 3. Deep, rapid breathing 4. Decreased urine output 5. Elevated blood glucose level

2,3,5 Because of the profound deficiency of insulin associated with DKA, glucose cannot be used for energy and the body breaks down fat as a secondary source of energy. Ketones, which are acid by-products of fat metabolism, build up, and the client experiences a metabolic ketoacidosis. High serum glucose contributes to an osmotic diuresis and the client becomes severely dehydrated. If untreated, the client will become comatose due to severe dehydration, acidosis, and electrolyte imbalance. Kussmaul's respirations, the deep rapid breathing associated with DKA, is a compensatory mechanism by the body. The body attempts to correct the acidotic state by blowing off carbon dioxide (co2), which is an acid. In the absence of insulin, the client will experience severe hyperglycemia. Option 1 is incorrect, because in acidosis the pH would be low. Option 4 is incorrect because a high serum glucose will result in an osmotic diuresis and the client will experience polyuria

The nurse teaches a client with diabetes mellitus about differentiating between hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis. The client demonstrates an understanding of the teaching by stating that a form of glucose needs to be taken if which symptoms develop? Select all that apply. 1. polyuria 2. Shakiness 3. Palpitations 4. Blurred vision 5. Light-headedness 6. Fruity breath odor

2,3,5 Shakiness, palpitations, and light-headedness are signs/symptoms of hypoglycemia and would indicate the need for food or glucose. Polyuria, blurred vision, and a fruity breath odor are manifestations of hyperglycemia.

A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who takes NPH daily in the morning calls the nurse to report recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia with exercising. Which statement by the client indicates an adequate understanding of the peak action of NPH insulin and exercise? 1. "I should not exercise since I am taking insulin." 2. "The best time for me to exercise is after breakfast." 3. "The best time for me to exercise is mid- to late afternoon." 4. "NPH is a basal insulin, so I should exercise in the evening."

2. "The best time for me to exercise is after breakfast." Exercise is an important part of diabetes management. It promotes weight loss, decreases insulin resistance, and helps control blood glucose levels. A hypoglycemic reaction may occur in response to increased exercise, so clients should exercise either an hour after mealtime or after consuming a 10- to 15-g carbohydrate snack, and they should check their blood glucose level before exercising. Option 1 is incorrect because clients with diabetes should exercise, though they should check with their primary health care provider before starting a new exercise program. Option 3 is incorrect; clients should avoid exercise during the peak time of insulin. NPH insulin peaks at 4 to 12 hours; therefore, afternoon exercise takes place during the peak of the medication. Option 4 is incorrect; NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin, not a basal insulin.

A client with diabetes mellitus demonstrates acute anxiety when admitted to the hospital for the treatment of hyperglycemia. What is the appropriate intervention to decrease the client's anxiety? 1. Administer a sedative. 2. Convey empathy, trust, and respect toward the client. 3. Ignore the signs and symptoms of anxiety, anticipating that they will soon disappear. 4. Make sure that the client is familiar with the correct medical terms to promote understanding of what is happening.

2. Convey empathy, trust, and respect toward the client. Anxiety is a subjective feeling of apprehension, uneasiness, or dread. The appropriate intervention is to address the client's feelings related to the anxiety. Administering a sedative is not the most appropriate intervention and does not address the source of the client's anxiety. The nurse should not ignore the client's anxious feelings. Anxiety needs to be managed before meaningful client education can occur.

The nurse is preparing a plan of care for a client with diabetes mellitus who has hyperglycemia. The nurse places priority on which client problem? 1. Lack of knowledge 2. Inadequate fluid volume 3. Compromised family coping 4. Inadequate consumption of nutrients

2. Inadequate fluid volume An increased blood glucose level will cause the kidneys to excrete the glucose in the urine. This glucose is accompanied by fluids and electrolytes, causing an osmotic diuresis leading to dehydration. This fluid loss must be replaced when it becomes severe. Options 1, 3, and 4 are not related specifically to the information in the question

The nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative from abdominal hysterectomy. The client has a history of diabetes mellitus and has been receiving regular insulin based on capillary blood glucose testing 4 times a day. A carbohydrate-controlled diet has been prescribed, but the client has not been eating. On entering the client's room, the nurse finds the client to be pale and diaphoretic. Which action is appropriate at this time? 1. Call a code to obtain needed assistance immediately. 2. Obtain a capillary blood glucose level and quickly perform a focused assessment. 3. Ask the assistive personnel (AP) to stay with the client while obtaining a carbohydrate snack for the client to eat. 4. Stay with the client and ask the AP to call the primary health care provider (PHCP) for a prescription for intravenous 50% dextrose.

2. Obtain a capillary blood glucose level and quickly perform a focused assessment. Diaphoresis and confusion are signs of moderate hypoglycemia. A likely cause of the client's change in condition could be related to the administration of insulin without the client eating enough food. However, an assessment is necessary to confirm the presence of hypoglycemia. The nurse would obtain a capillary blood glucose level to confirm the hypoglycemia and quickly perform a focused assessment to determine the extent and cause of the client's condition. Once hypoglycemia is confirmed, the nurse stays with the client and asks the AP to obtain the appropriate carbohydrate snack. A code is called if the client is not breathing or if the heart is not beating.

A client newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus is instructed by the primary health care provider to obtain glucagon for emergency home use. The client asks a home care nurse about the purpose of the medication. What is the nurse's best response to the client's question? 1. "It will boost the cells in your pancreas if you have insufficient insulin." 2. "It will help to promote insulin absorption when your glucose levels are high." 3. "It is for the times when your blood glucose is too low from too much insulin." 4. "It will help to prevent lipoatrophy from the multiple insulin injections over the years."

3. "It is for the times when your blood glucose is too low from too much insulin." Glucagon is used to treat hypoglycemia resulting from insulin overdose. The family of the client is instructed in how to administer the medication. In an unconscious client, arousal usually occurs within 20 minutes of glucagon injection. When consciousness has been regained, oral carbohydrates need to be given. Lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy result from insulin injections.

A client is admitted to a hospital with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The initial blood glucose level is 950 mg/dL (52.9 mmol/L). A continuous intravenous (IV) infusion of short-acting insulin is initiated, along with IV rehydration with normal saline. The serum glucose level is now decreased to 240 mg/dL (13.3 mmol/L). The nurse would next prepare to administer which medication? 1. An ampule of 50% dextrose 2. NPH insulin subcutaneously 3. IV fluids containing dextrose 4. Phenytoin for the prevention of seizures

3. IV fluids containing dextrose Emergency management of DKA focuses on correcting fluid and electrolyte imbalances and normalizing the serum glucose level. If the corrections occur too quickly, serious consequences, including hypoglycemia and cerebral edema, can occur. During management of DKA, when the blood glucose level falls to 250 to 300 mg/dL (13.9 to 16.7 mmol/L), the IV infusion rate is reduced and a dextrose solution is added to maintain a blood glucose level of about 250 mg/dL (13.9 mmol/L), or until the client recovers from ketosis. Fifty percent dextrose is used to treat hypoglycemia. NPH insulin is not used to treat DKA. Phenytoin is not a usual treatment measure for DKA.

A nurse is assessing a client who has had cranial surgery and is at risk for development of diabetes insipidus. The nurse would assess for which signs or symptoms that could indicate development of this complication? 1. Diarrhea 2. Infection 3. Polydipsia 4. Weight gain

3. Polydipsia Polydipsia and polyuria are classic symptoms of diabetes insipidus. The urine is pale, and the specific gravity is low. Diarrhea is not indicative of the complication. Infection is not associated with diabetes insipidus. Anorexia and weight loss also may occur.

The nurse performs a physical assessment on a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Findings include a fasting blood glucose level of 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), temperature of 101° F (38.3° C), pulse of 82 beats per minute, respirations of 20 breaths per minute, and blood pressure of 118/68 mm Hg. Which finding would be the priority concern to the nurse? 1. Pulse 2. Respiration 3. Temperature 4. Blood pressure

3. Temperature n the client with type 2 diabetes mellitus, an elevated temperature may indicate infection. Infection is a leading cause of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome in the client with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The other findings are within normal limits.

The nurse provides instructions to a client newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus about measures to take if feeling sick to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The nurse recognizes accurate understanding of measures to prevent DKA when the client makes which statement? 1. "I will stop taking my insulin if I'm too sick to eat." 2. "I will decrease my insulin dose during times of illness." 3. "I will adjust my insulin dose according to the level of glucose in my urine." 4. "I will notify my primary health care provider (PHCP) if my blood glucose level is higher than 250 mg/dL (13.9 mmol/L)."

4. "I will notify my primary health care provider (PHCP) if my blood glucose level is higher than 250 mg/dL (13.9 mmol/L)." During illness, the client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is at increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, due to hyperglycemia associated with the stress response and due to a typically decreased caloric intake. As part of sick day management, the client with diabetes should monitor blood glucose levels and should notify the PHCP if the level is higher than 250 mg/dL (13.9 mmol/L). Insulin should never be stopped. In fact, insulin may need to be increased during times of illness. Doses should not be adjusted without the PHCP's advice and are usually adjusted on the basis of blood glucose levels, not urinary glucose readings

A client has undergone a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Which of the listed glucose levels is compatible with diabetes mellitus at the conclusion of the test? 1. 80 mg/dL (4.57 mmol/L) 2. 110 mg/dL (6.0 mmol/L) 3. 130 mg/dL (7.42 mmol/L) 4. 160 mg/dL (9.14 mmol/L)

4. 160 mg/dL (9.14 mmol/L) The normal reference values for OGTTs are lower than 140 mg/dL (8 mmol/L) at 120 minutes; lower than 200 mg/dL (11.4 mmol/L) at 30, 60, and 90 minutes; and lower than 115 mg/dL (6.57 mmol/L) in the fasting state. A glucose level of 160 mg/dL (9.14 mmol/L) is higher than the normal reference range

The nurse is caring for a client admitted to the emergency department with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In the acute phase, the nurse plans for which priority intervention? 1. Correct the acidosis. 2. Administer 5% dextrose intravenously. 3. Apply a monitor for an electrocardiogram. 4. Administer short-duration insulin intravenously.

4. Administer short-duration insulin intravenously. Lack of insulin (absolute or relative) is the primary cause of DKA. Treatment consists of insulin administration (short- or rapid-acting), intravenous fluid administration (normal saline initially, not 5% dextrose), and potassium replacement, followed by correcting acidosis. Cardiac monitoring is important due to alterations in potassium levels associated with DKA and its treatment, but applying an electrocardiogram monitor is not the priority action.

A client is admitted with suspected diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which clinical manifestations best support a diagnosis of DKA? 1. Blood glucose 500 mg/dL (27.8 mmol/L); arterial blood gases: pH 7.30, Paco2 50, Hco3- 26. 2. Blood glucose 400 mg/dL (22.2 mmol/L); arterial blood gases: pH 7.38, Paco2 40, Hco3- 22. 3. Blood glucose 450 mg/dL (25.0 mmol/L); arterial blood gases: pH 7.48, Paco2 39, Hco3- 29. 4. Blood glucose 350 mg/dL (19.4 mmol/L); arterial blood gases: pH 7.28, Paco2 30, Hco3- 14.

4. Blood glucose 350 mg/dL (19.4 mmol/L); arterial blood gases: pH 7.28, Paco2 30, Hco3- 14. DKA is caused by a profound deficiency of insulin and is characterized by hyperglycemia (blood glucose level greater than or equal to 250 mg/dL [13.9 mmol/L]), ketosis (ketones in urine or serum), metabolic acidosis, and dehydration. The correct option is 4, as it represents an elevated blood glucose and the arterial blood gases (ABGs) indicate metabolic acidosis. Option 1 is incorrect, as the ABGs indicate respiratory acidosis; option 2 is incorrect, as the ABG values are within normal; and option 3 is incorrect, as the ABGs indicate metabolic alkalosis.

What information stated by a nursing student about the 15/15 rule for treating a hypoglycemic reaction indicates an understanding of the rule? 1.Since my client is diabetic, I will check the blood glucose every 15 minutes during the shift. 2. If my client's blood glucose is over 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), I will give 15 g of juice every 15 minutes. 3. Since my client is diabetic, I will order 15 g of sugar and 15 g of simple carbohydrates to arrive on the lunch tray. 4. If my client's blood glucose is below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), I will give 15 g of juice and recheck blood glucose in 15 minutes.

4. If my client's blood glucose is below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), I will give 15 g of juice and recheck blood glucose in 15 minutes. In the event of a suspected hypoglycemic reaction, the nurse would first check the client's blood glucose level. If a blood glucose monitor is not available and the client is experiencing the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, hypoglycemic reaction would be suspected. If the blood glucose level is below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), the nurse would treat accordingly with 15 g of carbohydrate and recheck the level in 15 minutes. If the level is still below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), the nurse would treat with an additional 15 g of carbohydrate. One more 15 g of carbohydrate is given if the level remains below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). The nurse then rechecks the blood glucose level in another 15 minutes; if still below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), the nurse would treat with an injectable form of glucose. The nurse would then have the client consume a snack, and then document the occurrence and explore the reasons the reaction occurred. If at any point the client becomes unconscious, the nurse would administer an injectable form of glucose to raise the blood glucose level.

An external insulin pump is prescribed for a client with diabetes mellitus. When the client asks the nurse about the functioning of the pump, the nurse bases the response on which information about the pump? 1. It is timed to release programmed doses of either short-duration or NPH insulin into the bloodstream at specific intervals. 2. It continuously infuses small amounts of NPH insulin into the bloodstream while regularly monitoring blood glucose levels. 3. It is surgically attached to the pancreas and infuses regular insulin into the pancreas. This releases insulin into the bloodstream. 4. It administers a small continuous dose of short-duration insulin subcutaneously. The client can self-administer an additional bolus dose from the pump before each meal.

4. It administers a small continuous dose of short-duration insulin subcutaneously. The client can self-administer an additional bolus dose from the pump before each meal. An insulin pump provides a small continuous dose of short-duration (rapid- or short-acting) insulin subcutaneously throughout the day and night. The client can self-administer an additional bolus dose from the pump before each meal as needed. Short-duration insulin is used in an insulin pump. An external pump is not attached surgically to the pancreas.

The nurse is monitoring a diabetic client with a blood glucose level of 400 mg/dL (22.2 mmol/L). Which clinical manifestation would indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)? 1. Bradycardia 2. Cool, clammy skin 3. Lower extremity edema 4. Rapid, deep respirations

4. Rapid, deep respirations DKA is caused by a profound deficiency of insulin and is characterized by hyperglycemia (blood glucose level greater than or equal to 250 mg/dL [13.9 mmol/L]), ketosis (ketones in urine or serum), metabolic acidosis, and dehydration. The correct option is option 4 because the body's compensatory response to the metabolic acidosis is to increase carbon dioxide (CO2) excretion by the lungs through deep, rapid breathing (Kussmaul respirations). Options 1, 2, and 3 are incorrect, as clients with DKA are dehydrated and thus have an increased heart rate and dry, scaly skin and do not have lower extremity edema.