A client who has type 2 diabetes mellitus takes metformin 500 mg PO daily for blood glucose control. The client has been NPO since midnight in preparation for general anesthesia and surgery. At 0700 the client's serum glucose level is 250 mg/dL (13.9 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse implement?
Reference Range:
Fasting Blood Glucose [74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]
Obtain a prescription for regular insulin SUBQ per sliding scale.
Record the blood glucose results and requisition a repeat test in one hour.
Prepare to initiate a continuous IV infusion of Insulin in normal saline.
Administer the client's daily metformin tablet with a sip of water.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Administering insulin per sliding scale is appropriate for managing elevated blood glucose in a patient who is NPO and cannot take oral hypoglycemics like metformin.
B. Repeating the test in one hour delays necessary treatment and does not address the current hyperglycemia.
C. A continuous IV infusion of insulin is more appropriate for severe hyperglycemia or critical care situations, but obtaining a sliding scale prescription is more routine in this context.
D. Administering metformin with a sip of water could be considered if the provider orders it, but typically, oral hypoglycemics are held when a patient is NPO.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Pyridostigmine is most effective when taken before meals to improve muscle strength for swallowing. Knowing the client's recent oral intake helps in timing the medication appropriately.
B. Difficulty with urination is not directly related to pyridostigmine use.
C. Trouble sleeping is not typically associated with pyridostigmine.
D. Unexplained weight loss may be related to myasthenia gravis but is not directly relevant to the immediate administration of pyridostigmine.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Elevating the head of the bed is important for swallowing and preventing aspiration but is secondary to ensuring correct patient identification.
B. Using at least two different methods to identify the client is the most important step to prevent medication errors. This ensures that the correct medication is given to the correct patient.
C. Providing water is helpful but not as critical as ensuring the correct patient is identified.
D. Rechecking the medications against the MAR is important but should be done in conjunction with proper patient identification.
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