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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Using a mechanical lift for a 136 kg client unable to assist ensures safety for both client and nurse. Lifts prevent injury by supporting the client’s weight, reducing strain on staff. This adheres to safe patient handling guidelines, minimizing risks of falls or musculoskeletal injuries during transfer.
Choice B reason: Asking another nurse to assist is insufficient for a 136 kg client unable to help, as manual lifting risks injury to staff and client. Mechanical lifts are required for heavy or non-assistive clients to ensure safety, making this option inadequate and unsafe for the transfer scenario described.
Choice C reason: Positioning the client upright before transfer is impractical for a non-assistive client weighing 136 kg, as it requires significant manual effort and risks injury. Mechanical lifts are needed to safely move such clients, ensuring stability and preventing falls, making this action inappropriate for the transfer.
Choice D reason: A sliding board is unsuitable for a 136 kg client unable to assist, as it requires some patient cooperation and strength. It risks injury to staff and client due to the client’s weight and inability to participate. Mechanical lifts are the safer, recommended method for this transfer.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Dehydration is not directly associated with gastroesophageal reflux, which involves gastric acid backflow. Dehydration affects fluid balance, not reflux mechanisms, so this statement is inaccurate and irrelevant to preterm contractions, making it incorrect.
Choice B reason: Dehydration is not caused by decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit; rather, it may elevate these due to hemoconcentration. This statement reverses the relationship, making it factually incorrect and unrelated to preterm labor risks.
Choice C reason: Dehydration can increase preterm labor risk by reducing uterine blood flow and triggering contractions via oxytocin release. This evidence-based link supports hydration as a preventive measure, making it the correct statement for teaching in this scenario.
Choice D reason: Dehydration is treated with fluid replacement, not calcium supplements, which address bone health or specific deficiencies. This treatment is irrelevant to dehydration or preterm labor, making it an incorrect and inappropriate recommendation.
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