A nurse is caring for a 28-year-old male client with type 1 diabetes mellitus in the medical-surgical unit on day 3 of hospitalization. Below are the exhibits to guide your answer:
Select the two findings that require immediate follow-up:
Glucose at 1130
Client report of shakiness
Temperature
Oxygen saturation
Correct Answer : A,B
Choice A rationale: A blood glucose level of 55 mg/dL is critically low, indicating hypoglycemia. Immediate intervention is required to prevent potential complications such as loss of consciousness, seizures, or even death. Hypoglycemia in individuals with type 1 diabetes can be life-threatening and requires prompt treatment with fast-acting carbohydrates to restore normal blood glucose levels.
Choice B rationale: The client's report of shakiness, hunger, cool skin, and diaphoresis are classic symptoms of hypoglycemia. These symptoms correlate with the dangerously low blood glucose level and indicate an urgent need for intervention. Addressing these symptoms quickly can prevent further deterioration of the client's condition.
Choice C rationale: While the slight increase in temperature to 37.8°C (100°F) is noteworthy, it does not necessitate immediate intervention compared to the hypoglycemic event. Monitoring for any signs of infection or other issues is important, but it is not the highest priority in this scenario.
Choice D rationale: An oxygen saturation of 97% on room air is within normal limits and does not require immediate follow-up. There are no signs of respiratory distress or hypoxia that would necessitate urgent intervention in this case.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Alcoholism is a common cause of hypomagnesemia due to poor dietary intake, increased renal excretion, and gastrointestinal losses. Chronic alcohol consumption leads to malnutrition and loss of magnesium through the urine, contributing to low magnesium levels.
Choice B rationale
Dehydration typically leads to hemoconcentration, which can elevate, rather than decrease, magnesium levels. Thus, it is not usually associated with low magnesium levels.
Choice C rationale
Kidney failure generally causes hypermagnesemia, not hypomagnesemia, because the kidneys cannot efficiently excrete magnesium, leading to its accumulation in the blood.
Choice D rationale
Excessive magnesium intake would result in hypermagnesemia, not hypomagnesemia, as the body accumulates more magnesium than it can excrete.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Checking the blood pressure is not the priority action in this case. The symptoms described may suggest compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency and requires immediate intervention.
Choice B rationale
The correct action is to notify the health care provider immediately as this may indicate compartment syndrome, a serious complication that can occur after fractures and can lead to permanent damage if not treated promptly.
Choice C rationale
Assessing the incision for redness is not appropriate in this scenario as the symptoms suggest a more severe underlying issue such as compartment syndrome, which requires urgent attention.
Choice D rationale
Repositioning the leg may provide temporary relief but does not address the potential underlying issue of compartment syndrome. The priority is to notify the health care provider.
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