A nurse is caring for a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. The client reports that she is not feeling well. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is hypoglycemic? (Select all that apply)
Inability to concentrate
Polydipsia
Tremors
Acetone breath odor
Diaphoresis
Correct Answer : A,C,E
Choice A reason: Inability to concentrate is a common symptom of hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes, as low blood glucose impairs brain function, leading to confusion and difficulty focusing. This neuroglycopenic symptom results from insufficient glucose for cerebral energy, making it a critical indicator requiring prompt intervention like glucose administration.
Choice B reason: Polydipsia is associated with hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia, in type 1 diabetes. It results from osmotic diuresis due to high blood glucose, causing dehydration and thirst. This symptom does not indicate low blood sugar, making it incorrect for identifying hypoglycemia in this scenario.
Choice C reason: Tremors are a hallmark of hypoglycemia, caused by the sympathetic nervous system’s response to low blood glucose, triggering catecholamine release. This leads to shakiness, a common adrenergic symptom, signaling the need for immediate glucose to restore normal levels, making it a correct indicator.
Choice D reason: Acetone breath odor is linked to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. It results from ketone production during fat metabolism in uncontrolled diabetes. This finding is irrelevant to low blood sugar, making it incorrect for this scenario.
Choice E reason: Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, is a classic hypoglycemia symptom due to autonomic activation from low blood glucose. The body releases adrenaline, causing sweating as a stress response. This reliable indicator prompts urgent treatment to prevent severe complications, making it a correct choice.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Stating immunizations are required for air travel is inaccurate, as no such mandate exists for infants. This response does not address the parents’ concerns or educate them, potentially alienating them, making it ineffective and incorrect for fostering dialogue about immunization.
Choice B reason: Offering a referral to an infectious disease provider is premature and does not directly address the parents’ decision. Education and discussion are needed first to understand their concerns, making this response less effective and inappropriate as an initial approach.
Choice C reason: Suggesting no need to immunize against rare diseases is misleading, as vaccines prevent resurgences (e.g., measles). This undermines public health and dismisses the parents’ concerns, making it incorrect and potentially harmful to the infant’s health.
Choice D reason: Inviting discussion about the parents’ knowledge fosters open, non-judgmental communication, allowing the nurse to address misconceptions and provide evidence-based information. This therapeutic approach builds trust and encourages informed decision-making, making it the correct response for vaccine hesitancy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, typically causes hypotension via alpha-adrenergic blockade, not hypertension. Expecting blood pressure elevation shows misunderstanding, as its cardiovascular effects require monitoring for orthostatic changes, not hypertensive risks, in depression treatment.
Choice B reason: Acknowledging a 2-4 week delay for amitriptyline’s effect shows understanding, as tricyclics increase synaptic serotonin and norepinephrine gradually, requiring neuroplastic changes for mood improvement. This reflects accurate knowledge of the drug’s onset, critical for managing expectations in depression therapy.
Choice C reason: Taking amitriptyline on an empty stomach is incorrect, as food reduces gastrointestinal side effects like nausea. Its absorption is unaffected by food, but taking it with meals improves tolerability, indicating a misunderstanding of administration guidelines for effective therapy.
Choice D reason: Morning dosing of amitriptyline is incorrect, as its sedative effects, via histamine blockade, are best utilized at bedtime to aid sleep. Morning use may cause daytime drowsiness, reducing adherence, indicating a misunderstanding of its pharmacological profile in depression management.
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