A nurse is providing education to a client who has hypoglycemia. Which of the following information should the nurse include about the regulation of blood glucose levels?
The adrenal glands release epinephrine and norepinephrine to respond to low blood glucose.
The liver releases glucagon to regulate blood glucose levels.
Glycogenesis occurs in the pancreas when blood glucose levels fall.
The brain uses protein for energy if glucose levels fall too low.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
The adrenal glands play a crucial role in responding to low blood glucose levels by releasing epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. These hormones help to increase blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogenolysis (the breakdown of glycogen to glucose) and gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources) in the liver. This response is part of the body’s fight-or-flight mechanism, which ensures that sufficient glucose is available for immediate energy needs.
Choice B Reason:
The liver does not release glucagon; rather, it responds to glucagon, which is released by the pancreas. Glucagon stimulates the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose (glycogenolysis) and to produce glucose from non-carbohydrate sources (gluconeogenesis). This process helps to raise blood glucose levels when they are low.
Choice C Reason:
Glycogenesis is the process of converting glucose into glycogen for storage, and it occurs primarily in the liver and muscle cells, not in the pancreas. The pancreas releases insulin to promote glycogenesis when blood glucose levels are high, but it does not perform glycogenesis itself.
Choice D Reason:
The brain primarily uses glucose for energy and does not switch to using protein unless glucose levels are extremely low and prolonged. In such cases, the brain can use ketone bodies derived from fat as an alternative energy source. Protein is not a primary energy source for the brain under normal conditions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Insulin is stable at room temperature (between 59°F and 86°F) for up to one month. This is important for patients to know, especially if they do not have immediate access to refrigeration. However, it is crucial to avoid exposing insulin to extreme temperatures, such as direct sunlight or freezing conditions, as these can degrade the medication’s effectiveness.
Choice B Reason:
While some types of insulin can be mixed in the same syringe, this practice is not universally applicable to all insulin types. For example, rapid-acting and intermediate-acting insulins can sometimes be mixed, but long-acting insulins should not be mixed with other insulins. Therefore, this statement is not entirely accurate and should be clarified based on the specific types of insulin being used.
Choice C Reason:
Storing insulin in the freezer is not recommended as freezing can damage the insulin, rendering it ineffective. Insulin should be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures between 36°F and 46°F. If insulin is accidentally frozen, it should not be used.
Choice D Reason:
While it is advisable for clients with type 1 diabetes to have backup medication and supplies, storing them in a car is not recommended due to the potential for extreme temperature fluctuations. Insulin and other diabetes supplies should be kept in a stable, controlled environment to ensure their efficacy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Increased Thirst, Increased Urine Output, and Weight Loss
Increased thirst, increased urine output, and weight loss are symptoms commonly associated with diabetes mellitus, particularly uncontrolled diabetes. These symptoms occur due to the body’s attempt to eliminate excess glucose through urine, leading to dehydration and subsequent weight loss. However, these symptoms are not typically associated with elevated TSH levels, which indicate hypothyroidism.
Choice B reason: Fatigue, Constipation, Weight Gain
Fatigue, constipation, and weight gain are classic symptoms of hypothyroidism2. When the thyroid gland is underactive, it produces insufficient thyroid hormones, leading to a slowdown in the body’s metabolism. This results in fatigue, weight gain, and constipation, among other symptoms. Elevated TSH levels are a compensatory response by the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid to produce more hormones, confirming hypothyroidism.
Choice C reason: Anxiety, Unintended Weight Loss, Palpitations
Anxiety, unintended weight loss, and palpitations are symptoms typically associated with hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormones, leading to an accelerated metabolism. This results in symptoms such as weight loss, increased heart rate (palpitations), and anxiety. Elevated TSH levels would not be expected in hyperthyroidism; instead, TSH levels would be low due to negative feedback from high thyroid hormone levels.
Choice D reason: Shakiness, Sweating, Nausea
Shakiness, sweating, and nausea can be symptoms of various conditions, including hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), anxiety, or panic attacks. These symptoms are not specific to thyroid dysfunction and are not typically associated with elevated TSH levels. Hypothyroidism, indicated by high TSH levels, usually presents with symptoms related to a slowed metabolism, such as fatigue and weight gain, rather than shakiness and sweating.
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