A client is brought to the emergency room unconscious, with a pulse, and with a blood glucose of 40. The client is wearing a Medic-Alert bracelet indicating that he has Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
What order should the nurse anticipate?
Give glucagon.
Give orange juice.
Perform CPR.
Give insulin.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Glucagon directly addresses the underlying issue of severe hypoglycemia: In a patient with Type 1 diabetes mellitus, a blood glucose level of 40 mg/dL signifies a critical condition known as severe hypoglycemia. This condition occurs when blood sugar levels drop dangerously low, depriving the brain and other vital organs of glucose, their primary source of energy. Glucagon, a hormone that acts opposite to insulin, is the most effective and rapid treatment for severe hypoglycemia. It works by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, quickly raising blood sugar levels and restoring normal brain function.
Rationale for other choices:
Choice B: Give orange juice: While orange juice contains carbohydrates that can raise blood sugar, it is not ideal for treating severe hypoglycemia due to its slower absorption rate compared to glucagon. In an unconscious patient, there's also a risk of aspiration if given orally.
Choice C: Perform CPR: CPR is not indicated in this scenario as the patient has a pulse. CPR is a lifesaving technique that is only used when a person's heart has stopped beating.
Choice D: Give insulin: Insulin, which lowers blood glucose, would be contraindicated in this situation as the patient is already experiencing severe hypoglycemia. Administering insulin would further decrease blood sugar levels, worsening the patient's condition.
Key points to remember:
Severe hypoglycemia is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment with glucagon.
Glucagon is the only medication that can effectively and quickly raise blood glucose levels in severe hypoglycemia. It's crucial to administer glucagon as soon as possible to prevent irreversible brain damage or even death.
Healthcare professionals should be proficient in recognizing the signs and symptoms of severe hypoglycemia and administering glucagon appropriately.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Propylthiouracil (PTU) is a thionamide medication that inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones. It is the preferred drug for presurgical treatment of Graves' disease because it effectively lowers thyroid hormone levels and reduces the risk of thyroid storm, a life-threatening complication that can occur during or after surgery.
PTU acts by blocking the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, which is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. It also inhibits the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3), the more active form of thyroid hormone. This results in a decrease in circulating levels of both T4 and T3, leading to a reduction in the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
PTU is typically started at a dose of 100-300 mg daily, divided into two or three doses. The dose is then adjusted based on the patient's response and thyroid hormone levels. The goal of treatment is to achieve a euthyroid state, which means that the thyroid hormone levels are within the normal range.
PTU is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause some side effects, including skin rash, itching, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, joint pain, and hair loss. In rare cases, it can also cause serious side effects, such as liver damage and agranulocytosis (a decrease in white blood cells).
Choice B rationale:
Liotrix (Thyrolar) is a combination of synthetic T4 and T3 hormones. It is not used for presurgical treatment of Graves' disease because it can worsen the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Choice C rationale:
Propranolol (Inderal) is a beta-blocker medication that can be used to control the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as tachycardia, tremor, and anxiety. However, it does not lower thyroid hormone levels and is not used for presurgical treatment of Graves' disease.
Choice D rationale:
Levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid) is a synthetic T4 hormone. It is used to treat hypothyroidism, but it is not used for presurgical treatment of Graves' disease.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increasing the amiodarone infusion rate would worsen the patient's bradycardia and hypotension. Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic drug that works by prolonging the action potential duration in cardiac cells. This can lead to a decrease in heart rate and contractility.
Increasing the dose in this patient could lead to further hemodynamic compromise.
Choice B rationale:
Decreasing the amiodarone infusion rate is the most appropriate action in this situation. This will help to mitigate the drug's effects on the patient's heart rate and blood pressure.
A dose reduction may allow the heart rate to recover to a safer level while still maintaining the antiarrhythmic benefits of amiodarone.
Choice C rationale:
Continuing the amiodarone infusion at the current rate is not appropriate, as it is likely to worsen the patient's bradycardia and hypotension.
Maintaining the current dose could lead to further clinical deterioration.
Choice D rationale:
Discontinuing the amiodarone infusion entirely may not be necessary at this point. The patient's arrhythmia may still require treatment with amiodarone.
A dose reduction may be sufficient to address the patient's hemodynamic instability while still providing therapeutic benefits.
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