A nurse finds a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus lying in bed, sweating, tachycardic, and reporting feeling lightheaded and shaky. Which of the following complications should the nurse suspect?
Ketoacidosis
Hyperglycemia
Hypoglycemia
Nephropathy
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: Ketoacidosis. This is incorrect because ketoacidosis is a complication of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. Ketoacidosis occurs when the body breaks down fat for energy due to insufficient insulin, resulting in the accumulation of ketones and acids in the blood. Ketoacidosis can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fruity breath odor, deep and rapid breathing, and altered mental status.
Choice B: Hyperglycemia. This is incorrect because hyperglycemia is a condition of high blood glucose, not low blood glucose. Hyperglycemia can occur due to insufficient insulin, excessive carbohydrate intake, infection, stress, or illness. Hyperglycemia can cause symptoms such as polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, blurred vision, fatigue, and headache.
Choice C: Hypoglycemia. This is correct because hypoglycemia is a condition of low blood glucose, which can occur due to excessive insulin, inadequate carbohydrate intake, exercise, alcohol consumption, or medication interactions. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as sweating, tachycardia, palpitations, tremors, hunger, anxiety, confusion, dizziness, weakness, and seizures.
Choice D: Nephropathy. This is incorrect because nephropathy is a complication of chronic hyperglycemia, not acute hypoglycemia. Nephropathy is a kidney disease that results from damage to the small blood vessels and glomeruli in the kidneys due to high blood glucose levels. Nephropathy can cause symptoms such as proteinuria, edema, hypertension, and renal failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Weight loss is not a symptom of Cushing’s syndrome. On the contrary, weight gain and obesity are common signs of this condition, especially in the trunk, face and upper back1.
Choice B reason: Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, is not a symptom of Cushing’s syndrome. It can be caused by other conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, menopause or anxiety.
Choice C reason: Hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin, is a symptom of Cushing’s syndrome. It occurs due to increased production of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin. Hyperpigmentation can affect any part of the body, but it is more noticeable in areas exposed to friction or pressure, such as the elbows, knees, knuckles and armpits.
Choice D reason: Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is not a symptom of Cushing’s syndrome. In fact, high blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the common symptoms of this condition, due to the effects of cortisol on the cardiovascular system.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A fruity odor in the breath is a symptom of hyperglycemia, especially when it is severe and causes ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is a condition where the body produces ketones, which are acidic substances that result from the breakdown of fat for energy when there is not enough insulin or glucose available. Ketones can make the breath smell fruity or like nail polish remover.
Choice B reason: A decreased appetite is not a symptom of hyperglycemia. On the contrary, an increased appetite or hunger is a symptom of hyperglycemia, as the body tries to compensate for the lack of glucose in the cells by stimulating the hunger center in the brain.
Choice C reason: An increased thirst is a symptom of hyperglycemia, as the body tries to flush out the excess glucose and ketones in the blood through urine. This leads to dehydration and thirst signals in the brain.
Choice D reason: A blurry vision at times is a symptom of hyperglycemia, as high blood glucose levels can cause swelling and damage to the lens of the eye, affecting its ability to focus light properly. This can lead to temporary or permanent vision problems.
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