A client with type 1 diabetes is receiving insulin therapy. The nurse observes the patient experiencing symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and confusion. What is the nurse’s first action?

Choice A reason: In fever, pyrogens reset the hypothalamic thermoregulatory set point, causing the body to raise core temperature via shivering and vasoconstriction. Once reached, diaphoresis and flushing occur to dissipate heat, preventing overheating. This statement accurately describes the body’s response to achieving the fever’s set point in pneumonia.

Choice B reason: Exogenous pyrogens (e.g., bacterial toxins) act via endogenous pyrogens (cytokines) to reset the hypothalamic, not anterior pituitary, set point. The pituitary regulates hormones, not thermoregulation. This statement is inaccurate, as it misidentifies the anatomical site and mechanism of fever induction.

Choice C reason: Hyperthermia involves uncontrolled heat gain (e.g., heat stroke), not a regulated fever like in pneumonia. The client’s diaphoresis and flushing indicate intact heat loss mechanisms, not failure. This statement is inaccurate, as fever, not hyperthermia, drives the observed symptoms in this scenario.

Choice D reason: Endogenous pyrogens (e.g., IL-1, IL-6) stimulate prostaglandins, not leukotrienes, to reset the hypothalamic set point in fever. Leukotrienes are involved in allergic responses, not thermoregulation. This statement is inaccurate, as it misattributes the biochemical mediator of fever in pneumonia.

Choice A reason: Glipizide, a sulfonylurea, stimulates insulin release from pancreatic beta cells by blocking ATP-sensitive potassium channels, increasing insulin secretion. This can cause hypoglycemia, especially if meals are skipped or with excessive dosing. Monitoring blood glucose is critical, as hypoglycemia can lead to symptoms like sweating, shakiness, or confusion, making this the primary adverse effect.

Choice B reason: Glipizide does not significantly affect potassium levels. Hyperkalemia is more associated with drugs like ACE inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics. Sulfonylureas primarily impact glucose metabolism, not electrolyte balance, making this an inaccurate adverse effect to monitor in patients taking glipizide.

Choice C reason: Glipizide often causes weight gain, not weight loss, due to increased insulin levels promoting glucose uptake and fat storage. Weight loss is more associated with drugs like metformin or SGLT-2 inhibitors. This statement is inaccurate, as weight gain is a more likely concern with sulfonylureas.

Choice D reason: Hypertension is not a common adverse effect of glipizide. Sulfonylureas primarily affect glucose metabolism, not blood pressure. While diabetes increases cardiovascular risk, glipizide does not directly cause hypertension, making this an inaccurate adverse effect to prioritize in monitoring for this medication.