Chapter 64 - Diabetes
The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with diabetes about injury prevention for peripheral neuropathy. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching? "I can break in my shoes by wearing them all day." "I need to monitor my feet daily for blisters or skin breaks." "I should never go barefoot." "I should quit smoking."
"I can break in my shoes by wearing them all day." Shoes should be properly fitted and worn for a few hours a day to break them in, with frequent inspection for irritation or blistering. People with diabetes have decreased peripheral circulation, so even small injuries to the feet must be managed early. Going barefoot is contraindicated. Tobacco use further decreases peripheral circulation in a client with diabetes.
The nurse is teaching a client with diabetes about proper foot care. Which statement by the client indicates that teaching was effective? "I should go barefoot in my house so that my feet are exposed to air." "I must inspect my shoes for foreign objects before putting them on." "I will soak my feet in warm water to soften calluses before trying to remove them." "I must wear canvas shoes as much as possible to decrease pressure on my feet."
"I must inspect my shoes for foreign objects before putting them on. To avoid injury or trauma to the feet, shoes should be inspected for foreign objects before they are put on. Diabetic clients should not go barefoot because foot injuries can occur. To avoid injury or trauma, a callus should be removed by a podiatrist, not by the client. The diabetic client must wear firm support shoes to prevent injury.
The nurse is teaching a client with type 2 diabetes about the importance of weight control. Which comment by the client indicates a need for further teaching? "I should begin exercising for at least an hour a day." "I should monitor my diet." "If I lose weight, I may not need to use the insulin anymore." "Weight loss can be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis."
"I should begin exercising for at least an hour a day." For long-term maintenance of major weight loss, large amounts of exercise (7 hr/wk) or moderate or vigorous aerobic physical activity may be helpful, but the client must start slowly. Monitoring the diet is key to type 2 diabetes management. Weight loss can minimize the need for insulin and can also be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis.
The nurse is teaching a client about the manifestations and emergency treatment of hypoglycemia. In assessing the client's knowledge, the nurse asks the client what he or she should do if feeling hungry and shaky. Which response by the client indicates a correct understanding of hypoglycemia management? "I should drink a glass of water." "I should eat three graham crackers." "I should give myself 1 mg of glucagon." "I should sit down and rest."
"I should eat three graham crackers." Eating three graham crackers is a correct management strategy for mild hypoglycemia. Water or resting does not remedy hypoglycemia. Glucagon should be administered only in cases of severe hypoglycemia.
The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with newly diagnosed diabetes. Which statement by the client indicates a correct understanding about the need to wear a MedicAlert bracelet? "If I become hyperglycemic, it is a medical emergency." "If I become hypoglycemic, I could become unconscious." "Medical personnel may need confirmation of my insurance." "I may need to be admitted to the hospital suddenly."
"If I become hypoglycemic, I could become unconscious." Hypoglycemia is the most common cause of medical emergency in clients with diabetes. A MedicAlert bracelet is helpful if the client becomes hypoglycemic and is unable to provide self-care. Hyperglycemia is not a medical emergency unless it is acidosis; people with diabetes tolerate mild hyperglycemia routinely. Insurance information and information needed for hospital admission do not appear on a MedicAlert bracelet.
A diabetic client has a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) level of 9.4%. What does the nurse say to the client regarding this finding? "Keep up the good work." "This is not good at all." "What are you doing differently?" "You need more insulin."
"What are you doing differently?" Assessing the client's regimen or changes he or she may have made is the basis for formulating interventions to gain control of blood glucose. HbA1C levels for diabetic clients should be less than 7%; a value of 9.4% shows poor control over the past 3 months. Telling the client this is not good, although true, does not take into account problems that the client may be having with the regimen and sounds like scolding. Although it may be true that the client needs more insulin, an assessment of the client's regimen is needed before decisions are made about medications.
A client with type 2 diabetes has been admitted for surgery, and the health care provider has placed the client on insulin in addition to the current dose of metformin (Glucophage). The client wants to know the purpose of taking the insulin. What is the nurse's best response? "Your diabetes is worse, so you will need to take insulin." "You can't take your metformin while in the hospital." "Your body is under more stress, so you'll need insulin to support your medication." "You must take insulin from now on because the surgery will affect your diabetes."
"Your body is under more stress, so you'll need insulin to support your medication." Because of the stress of surgery and NPO status, short-term insulin therapy may be needed perioperatively for the client who uses oral antidiabetic agents. For those receiving insulin, dosage adjustments may be required until the stress of surgery subsides. No evidence suggests that the client's diabetes has worsened; however, surgery is stressful and may increase insulin requirements. Metformin may be taken in the hospital; however, not on days when the client is NPO for surgery. When the client returns to his or her previous health state, oral agents will be resumed.
The nurse caring for four diabetic clients has all of these activities to perform. Which is appropriate to delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? Perform hourly bedside blood glucose checks for a client with hyperglycemia. Verify the infusion rate on a continuous infusion insulin pump. Monitor a client with blood glucose of 68 mg/dL for tremors and irritability. Check on a client who is reporting palpitations and anxiety.
. Performing bedside glucose monitoring is an activity that may be delegated because it does not require extensive clinical judgment to perform; the nurse will follow up with the results. Intravenous therapy and medication administration are not within the scope of practice for UAP. The client with blood glucose of 68 mg/dL will need further monitoring, assessment, and intervention not within the scope of practice for UAP. The client reporting palpitations and anxiety may have hypoglycemia, requiring further intervention; this client must be assessed by licensed nursing staff.
In reviewing the health care provider admission requests for a client admitted in a hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state, which request is inconsistent with this diagnosis? 20 mEq KCl for each liter of IV fluid IV regular insulin at 2 units/hr IV normal saline at 100 mL/hr 1 ampule NaHCO3 IV now
1 ampule NaHCO3 IV now NaHCO3 is given for the acid-base imbalance of diabetic ketoacidosis, not the hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state, which presents with hyperglycemia and absence of ketosis/acidosis. KCl 20 mEq for each liter of IV fluid will correct hypokalemia from diuresis. IV regular insulin at 2 units/hr will correct hyperglycemia. IV normal saline at 100 mL/hr will correct dehydration.
A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus received regular insulin at 7:00 a.m. The client should be monitored for hypoglycemia at which time? 7:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
11:00 a.m. Onset of regular insulin is ½ to 1 hour; peak is 2 to 4 hours. Therefore, 11:00 a.m. is the anticipated peak time for regular insulin received at 7:00 a.m. For regular insulin received at 7:00 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. are not the anticipated peak times.
Which of these clients with diabetes does the endocrine unit charge nurse assign to an RN who has floated from the labor/delivery unit? A 58-year-old with sensory neuropathy who needs teaching about foot care A 68-year-old with diabetic ketoacidosis who has an IV running at 250 mL/hr A 70-year-old who needs blood glucose monitoring and insulin before each meal A 76-year-old who was admitted with fatigue and shortness of breath
A 70-year-old who needs blood glucose monitoring and insulin before each meal A nurse from the labor/delivery unit would be familiar with blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration because clients with type 1 and gestational diabetes are frequently cared for in the labor/delivery unit. The 58-year-old with sensory neuropathy, the 68-year-old with diabetic ketoacidosis, and the 76-year-old with fatigue and shortness of breath all have specific teaching or assessment needs that are better handled by nurses more familiar with caring for older adults with diabetes.
Which is the best referral that the nurse can suggest to a client who has been newly diagnosed with diabetes? American Diabetes Association Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health care provider office Pharmaceutical representative
American Diabetes Association The American Diabetes Association can provide national and regional support and resources to clients with diabetes and their families. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not focus on diabetes. The client's health care provider's office is not the best resource for diabetes information and support. A pharmaceutical representative is not an appropriate resource for diabetes information and support.
Which statement made by a client who is learning about self-injection of insulin indicates to the nurse that clarification is needed about injection site selection and rotation? A. "The abdominal site is best because it is closest to the pancreas." B. "I can reach my thigh best, so I will use different areas of the same thigh." C. "By rotating sites within one area, my chance of having skin changes is less." D. "If I change my injection site from the thigh to an arm, the inulin absorption may be different."
Answer: A Rationale: The abdominal site has the fastest and most consistent rate of absorption because of the blood vessels in the area, not because of its proximity to the pancreas.
While assessing the client who has had diabetes for 15 years, the nurse finds that he has decreased sensory perception in both feet. What is the nurse's best first action? A. Document the finding as the only action. B. Examine the feet for manifestations of injury. C. Test the sensory perception of the client's hands. D. Tell the client that he now has peripheral neuropathy.
Answer: B Rationale: When reduced peripheral sensory perception is present, the likelihood of injury is high. Any open area or other problem on the foot of a person with diabetes is at great risk for infection and must be managed carefully and quickly. Checking for sensory perception on the hands and other areas is important but can come after a thorough foot examination.
Which health problems are considered results of microvascular complications from long-term or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus? A. Obesity and hyperglycemia B. Systolic hypertension and heart failure C. Retinal hemorrhage and male erectile dysfunction D. Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state
Answer: C Rationale: Both retinal hemorrhage and male erectile dysfunction are caused by microvascular complications. Structural problems in retinal vessels include areas of poor retinal circulation, edema, hard fatty deposits in the eye, and retinal hemorrhages. Microvascular changes cause hypoxia and death of the nerves needed for male erection. Systolic hypertension and heart failure are considered macrovascular complications. Obesity and hyperglycemia are causes of microvascular complications and are not caused by them. Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state are problems of hyperglycemia but are not caused by microvascular changes.
How is hypoglycemia prevented in the healthy person who does not have diabetes even after fasting for 8 hours? A. Metabolism is so slow when a person sleeps without eating for 8 hours that blood glucose does not enter cells to be used for energy. As a result, hypoglycemia does not occur. B. Fasting for 8 hours triggers conversion of proteins into glycogen (glycogenesis) so that hyperglycemia develops rather than hypoglycemia. C. Lipolysis (fat breakdown) in fat stores occurs, converting fatty acids into glucose to maintain blood
Answer: D Rationale: Glucagon is a counterregulatory hormone secreted by pancreatic alpha cells when blood glucose levels are low, as they would be during an 8-hour fast. The body's metabolic rate does decrease during sleep (which is not stated in this question) but not sufficiently to prevent hypoglycemia. Glucagon works on the glycogen stored in the liver, breaking it down to glucose (glycogenolysis) molecules that are then released into the blood to maintain blood glucose levels and prevent hypoglycemia. Although proteins can be broken down and converted to glucose, they are not converted to glycogen. Fat breakdown through lipolysis can provide fatty acids for fuel, but this is not glucose, and lipolysis does not occur until all stored glycogen is used.
client with type 2 diabetes who is taking metformin (Glucophage) is seen in the diabetic clinic. The fasting blood glucose is 108 mg/dL, and the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) is 8.2%. Which action does the nurse plan to take next? Instruct the client to continue with the current diet and metformin use. Discuss the need to check blood glucose several times every day. Talk about the possibility of adding rapid-acting insulin to the regimen. Ask the client about current dietary intake and medication use.
Ask the client about current dietary intake and medication use. The nurse's first action should be to assess whether the client is adherent to the currently prescribed diet and medications. The client's current diet and medication use have not been successful in keeping glucose in the desired range. Checking blood glucose more frequently and/or using rapid-acting insulin may be appropriate, but this will depend on the assessment data. The HbA1C indicates that the client's average glucose level is not in the desired range, but discussing the need to check blood glucose several times every day assumes that the client is not compliant with the therapy and glucose monitoring. The nurse should not assume that adding insulin, which must be prescribed by the provider, is the answer without assessing the underlying reason for the treatment failure.
. Which nursing action can the home health nurse delegate to a home health aide who is making daily visits to a client with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes? Assist the client's spouse in choosing appropriate dietary items. Evaluate the client's use of a home blood glucose monitor. Inspect the extremities for evidence of poor circulation. Assist the client with washing the feet and applying moisturizing lotion.
Assist the client with washing the feet and applying moisturizing lotion. Assisting with personal hygiene is included in the role of home health aides. Assisting with dietary choices, evaluating the effectiveness of teaching, and performing assessments are complex actions that should be implemented by licensed nurses.
A client has just been diagnosed with diabetes. Which factor is most important for the nurse to assess in the client before providing instruction about the disease and its management? Current lifestyle Educational and literacy level Sexual orientation Current energy level
Educational and literacy level A large amount of information must be synthesized; typically written instructions are given. The client's educational and literacy level is essential information. Although lifestyle should be taken into account, it is not the priority. Sexual orientation will have no bearing on the ability of the client to provide self-care. Although energy level will influence the ability to exercise, it is not essential.
A client with type 1 diabetes arrives in the emergency department breathing deeply and stating, "I can't catch my breath." The client's vital signs are: T 98.4° F (36.9° C), P 112 beats/min, R 38 breaths/min, BP 91/54 mm Hg, and O2 saturation 99% on room air. Which action does the nurse take first? Check the blood glucose. Administer oxygen. Offer reassurance. Attach a cardiac monitor.
Check the blood glucose. The client's clinical presentation is consistent with diabetic ketoacidosis, so the nurse should initially check the client's glucose level. Based on the oxygen saturation, oxygen administration is not necessary. The nurse provides support, but it is early in the course of assessment and intervention to offer reassurance without more information. Cardiac monitoring may be implemented, but the first action should be to obtain the glucose level.
The nurse has just taken change-of-shift report on a group of clients on the medical-surgical unit. Which client does the nurse assess first? Client taking repaglinide (Prandin) who has nausea and back pain Client taking glyburide (Diabeta) who is dizzy and sweaty Client taking metformin (Glucophage) who has abdominal cramps Client taking pioglitazone (Actos) who has bilateral ankle swelling
Client taking glyburide (Diabeta) who is dizzy and sweaty Correct The client taking glyburide (Diabeta) who is dizzy and sweaty has symptoms consistent with hypoglycemia and should be assessed first because this client displays the most serious adverse effect of antidiabetic medications. Although the client taking repaglinide who has nausea and back pain requires assessment, the client taking glyburide takes priority. Metformin may cause abdominal cramping and diarrhea, but the client taking it does not require immediate assessment. Ankle swelling is an expected side effect of pioglitazone.
he nurse has just received change-of-shift report on the endocrine unit. Which client does the nurse see first? Client with type 1 diabetes whose insulin pump is beeping "occlusion" Newly diagnosed client with type 1 diabetes who is reporting thirst Client with type 2 diabetes who has a blood glucose of 150 mg/dL Client with type 2 diabetes with a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg
Client with type 1 diabetes whose insulin pump is beeping "occlusion"..Hg Because glucose levels will increase quickly in clients who use continuous insulin pumps, the nurse should assess this client and the insulin pump first to avoid diabetic ketoacidosis. Thirst is a symptom of hyperglycemia and, although important, is not a priority; the nurse could delegate a fingerstick blood glucose to unlicensed assistive personnel while assessing the client whose insulin pump is beeping. Although a blood glucose reading of 150 mg/dL is mildly elevated, this is not an emergency. Mild hypertension is also not an emergency
The nurse receives report on a 52-year-old client with type 2 diabetes: Physical Assessment Diagnostic Findings Provider Prescriptions Lungs clear Glucose 179 mg/dL Regular insulin 8 units if blood glucose 250 to 275 mg/dL and cold to touch Right great toe mottled Hemoglobin A1c 6.9% Regular insulin 10 units if glucose 275 to 300 mg/dL Client states wears eyeglasses to read Which complication of diabetes does the nurse report to the provider? Poor glucose control Visual changes Respiratory distress Decreased peripheral perfusion
Decreased peripheral perfusion Correct A cold, mottled toe may indicate arterial occlusion secondary to arterial occlusive disease or embolization; this must be reported to avoid potential gangrene and amputation. Although one glucose reading is elevated, the hemoglobin A1c indicates successful glucose control over the past 3 months. After the age of 40, reading glasses may be needed due to difficulty in accommodating to close objects. Lungs are clear and no evidence of distress is noted. Awarded 0.0 points out of 1.0 possible points. 3.ID: 4615471536 A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus received regular
A client expresses fear and anxiety over the life changes associated with diabetes, stating, "I am scared I can't do it all and I will get sick and be a burden on my family." What is the nurse's best response? "It is overwhelming, isn't it?" "Let's see how much you can learn today, so you are less nervous." "Let's tackle it piece by piece. What is most scary to you?" "Other people do it just fine."
Let's tackle it piece by piece. What is most scary to you?" Suggesting the client tackle it piece by piece and asking what is most scary to him or her is the best response; this approach will allow the client to have a sense of mastery with acceptance. Referring to the illness as overwhelming is supportive, but is not therapeutic or helpful to the client. Trying to see how much the client can learn in one day may actually cause the client to become more nervous; an overload of information is overwhelming. Suggesting that other people handle the illness just fine is belittling and dismisses the client's concerns.
An intensive care client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is receiving an insulin infusion. The cardiac monitor shows ventricular ectopy. Which assessment does the nurse make? Urine output 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) Potassium level Rate of IV fluids
Potassium level With insulin therapy, serum potassium levels fall rapidly as potassium shifts into the cells. Detecting and treating the underlying cause is essential. Insulin treats symptoms of diabetes by putting glucose into the cell as well as potassium; ectopy, indicative of cardiac irritability, is not associated with changes in urine output. A 12-lead ECG can verify the ectopy, but the priority is to detect and fix the underlying cause. Increased fluids treat the symptoms of dehydration secondary to DKA, but do not treat the cause.
Which action is correct when drawing up a single dose of insulin? Wash hands thoroughly and don sterile gloves. Shake the bottle of insulin vigorously to mix the insulin. Pull back plunger to draw air into the syringe equal to the insulin dose. Recap the needle and save the syringe for the next dose of insulin.
Pull back plunger to draw air into the syringe equal to the insulin dose. The plunger is pulled back to draw an amount of air into the syringe that is equal to the insulin dose. The air is then injected into the insulin bottle before withdrawing the insulin dose. Although handwashing is important before any medication administration, sterile gloves are not required. The bottle of insulin should be rolled gently in the palms of the hands to mix the insulin, not shaken. Insulin syringes are never recapped or reused; the syringe and needle should be disposed of (without recapping) in a puncture-proof container.
Which explanation best assists a client in differentiating type 1 diabetes from type 2 diabetes? Most clients with type 1 diabetes are born with it. People with type 1 diabetes are often obese. Those with type 2 diabetes make insulin, but in inadequate amounts. People with type 2 diabetes do not develop typical diabetic complications.
Those with type 2 diabetes make insulin, but in inadequate amounts. People with type 2 diabetes make some insulin but in inadequate amounts, or they have resistance to existing insulin. Although type 1 diabetes may occur early in life, it may be caused by immune responses. Obesity is typically associated with type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes are at risk for complications, especially cardiovascular complications.
A client recently admitted with new-onset type 2 diabetes will be discharged with a self-monitoring blood glucose machine. When is the best time for the nurse to explain to the client the proper use of the machine? Day of discharge On admission When the client states readiness While performing the test in the hospital
While performing the test in the hospital Teaching the client about the operation of the machine while performing the test in the hospital is the best way for the client to learn. The teaching can be reinforced before discharge. Instructing the client on the day of admission or the day of discharge would be overwhelming to the client because of all of the other activities taking place on those days. The client may never feel ready to learn this daunting task; the nurse must be more proactive.
A client newly diagnosed with diabetes is not ready or willing to learn diabetes control during the hospital stay. Which information is the priority for the nurse to teach the client and the client's family? Causes and treatment of hyperglycemia Causes and treatment of hypoglycemia Dietary control Insulin administration
auses and treatment of hypoglycemia The causes and treatment of hypoglycemia must be understood by the client and family to manage the client's diabetes effectively. The causes and treatment of hyperglycemia is a topic for secondary teaching and is not the priority for the client with diabetes. Dietary control and insulin administration are important, but are not the priority in this situation.
