A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus who takes glimepiride PO daily calls the nurse to report a recent onset of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Which response should the nurse provide?
Use insulin sliding scale until symptoms are resolved.
Return to the clinic for laboratory tests for an infection.
Schedule a visit for evaluation by the healthcare provider (HCP).
Increase oral fluid intake until these symptoms subside.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Use insulin sliding scale until symptoms are resolved: Starting insulin without an evaluation would be inappropriate. A sliding scale may eventually be needed if blood sugars fluctuate, but the priority is to assess the cause of the gastrointestinal symptoms first.
B. Return to the clinic for laboratory tests for an infection: Although an infection could be a cause, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in a diabetic client also raise concern for possible medication issues, dehydration, or even metabolic disturbances. Immediate evaluation is necessary before simply ordering lab tests.
C. Schedule a visit for evaluation by the healthcare provider (HCP): New gastrointestinal symptoms could indicate a significant underlying issue such as medication intolerance, dehydration, or even diabetic ketoacidosis (though less common in type 2). An urgent clinical assessment by the HCP is most appropriate.
D. Increase oral fluid intake until these symptoms subside: While staying hydrated is important, advising fluids alone without a thorough assessment risks missing a serious underlying cause. Symptom management should not replace a proper medical evaluation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","F"]
Explanation
A. Ibuprofen: While ibuprofen can affect renal function and has its own risks in diabetes, it does not have a significant or consistent effect on insulin requirements. It is not a primary medication impacting glucose metabolism.
B. Oral contraceptive: Estrogen in oral contraceptives can cause increased insulin resistance, potentially requiring higher doses of insulin to maintain glucose control. Therefore, it can affect the client’s insulin needs.
C. Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids such as prednisone raise blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis and insulin resistance. Clients taking corticosteroids often require increased insulin dosing.
D. Epinephrine: Epinephrine stimulates glycogen breakdown and raises blood glucose levels as part of the stress response. It can significantly impact blood sugar control and thus influence insulin requirements.
E. St. John's Wort: St. John's Wort can interact with many medications, but its effect on insulin or blood glucose regulation is not strong enough to significantly alter insulin needs. It is more notable for affecting medications through liver enzyme induction.
F. Fluconazole: Fluconazole can inhibit the metabolism of some drugs and may increase insulin sensitivity in certain cases. It can alter glucose control by enhancing insulin action, which may lead to a need for insulin dose adjustments.
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"C"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"C"},"E":{"answers":"C"}}
Explanation
Blood glucose 218 mg/dL (12.1 mmol/L)
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Classification: Unrelated Finding
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Rationale: Minoxidil does not influence blood glucose levels. This elevated blood glucose is likely related to the patient’s known history of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It's not a side effect or intended therapeutic action of minoxidil.
Dizziness while sitting up
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Classification: Nontherapeutic Side Effect
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Rationale: Minoxidil is a vasodilator that can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure, particularly when changing positions (orthostatic hypotension). Dizziness is a common side effect due to decreased cerebral perfusion when blood pressure drops too quickly or too much.
Blood pressure 162/111 mm Hg
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Classification: Therapeutic Result
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Rationale: On admission, the patient’s BP was dangerously high at 203/166 mm Hg. A subsequent reading of 162/111 mm Hg shows a significant drop, indicating that minoxidil is having the desired therapeutic effect of lowering blood pressure, even though it's still above target.
Pain rated at 1 on a 0 to 10 scale
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Classification: Unrelated Finding
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Rationale: Minoxidil is not a pain medication and does not impact pain perception. A low pain score of 1 is likely due to an unrelated mild discomfort or pre-existing condition and has no connection to minoxidil's effects.
Urine output 600 mL
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Classification: Unrelated Finding
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Rationale: Minoxidil may cause fluid retention, but 600 mL urine output is within the normal range over a few hours (depending on timing and context). This measurement alone does not indicate a therapeutic or side effect of the drug, and without signs of oliguria or diuresis, it remains unrelated.
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