A hospitalized patient who is diabetic received 38 U of NPH insulin at 7:00 AM. At 1:00 PM, the patient was away from the nursing unit for 2 hours, missing the lunch delivery while awaiting a chest x-ray.
What is the best action by the nurse to prevent hypoglycemia?
Request that if testing is further delayed, the patient will eat lunch first.
Send a glass of orange juice to the patient in the diagnostic testing area.
Save the lunch tray for the patient's later return.
Plan to discontinue the evening dose of insulin.
The Correct Answer is B
The patient received 38 U of NPH insulin at 7:00 AM, and by 1:00 PM, the insulin has been active for approximately 6 hours. The patient has missed lunch, which may lead to hypoglycemia, especially with the activity of the insulin.
Sending a glass of orange juice will provide the patient with a quick source of glucose to prevent hypoglycemia. If testing is further delayed, the nurse may request that the patient be allowed to eat lunch first or save the lunch tray for later, but immediate intervention is necessary to prevent hypoglycemia. Discontinuing the evening dose of insulin is not an appropriate action and should not be considered without consulting the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of early pregnancy, and abdominal pain can also occur due to various pregnancy-related conditions. Therefore, it is essential to rule out pregnancy as a potential cause of the patient's symptoms before pursuing other diagnostic options.
Once pregnancy has been ruled out, the nurse can ask additional questions such as those listed in options a, b, and d to further narrow down the potential causes of the patient's symptoms.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Option b is not entirely correct because while bulk-forming laxatives contain fiber, they may not always be the best source of fiber, and their use should be individualized according to the patient's needs.
Option e is incorrect because while stimulants and saline laxatives can be effective for occasional constipation, they should not be used regularly or for an extended period without medical supervision as they can lead to dependence and other complications.
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