A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and her partner about how to manage severe hypoglycemia at home. Which of the following actions should the nurse instruct the partner to perform first?
Offer the client a small meal if she is not nauseated.
Administer 1 mg of glucagon intramuscularly to the client.
Contact the client's provider for further instructions
Transport the client to an emergency department for treatment.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Offer the client a small meal if she is not nauseated:
While eating a small meal can help raise blood glucose levels, it is not the immediate priority in a severe hypoglycemia situation. The client might be unconscious or unable to swallow safely, making this action inappropriate as a first step.
B) Administer 1 mg of glucagon intramuscularly to the client:
Administering glucagon intramuscularly is the most crucial initial action. Glucagon rapidly increases blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogen breakdown in the liver. This is vital for quickly reversing severe hypoglycemia, especially if the client is unconscious or unable to ingest carbohydrates orally.
C) Contact the client's provider for further instructions:
Contacting the provider is essential, but it should occur after addressing the immediate hypoglycemic episode. Once the client's condition stabilizes, further guidance can be sought from the healthcare provider.
D) Transport the client to an emergency department for treatment:
Transporting the client to the emergency department is necessary if the hypoglycemia does not improve after administering glucagon or if the client remains unresponsive. However, it is not the first action; immediate glucagon administration takes precedence to stabilize the client's condition before considering transportation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and elevated bicarbonate (HCO3). In this scenario, the pH is elevated at 7.6, which supports alkalosis, but the HCO3 level is normal at 24 mEq/L. The PaCO2 is slightly low, which is not typical for metabolic alkalosis, as it would usually show an elevated HCO3 with a compensatory respiratory alkalosis.
B) Respiratory acidosis: Respiratory acidosis would present with a low pH and an elevated PaCO2. In this case, the pH is high at 7.6, indicating alkalosis, and the PaCO2 is also low at 30 mm Hg, which is inconsistent with respiratory acidosis.
C) Respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis is indicated by a high pH with a low PaCO2. Here, the pH is elevated at 7.6, and the PaCO2 is decreased at 30 mm Hg, which fits the profile of respiratory alkalosis. The normal HCO3 level suggests that the bicarbonate is not compensating, supporting a primary respiratory alkalosis.
D) Metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a low HCO3. In this scenario, the pH is elevated at 7.6, and the HCO3 level is normal at 24 mEq/L, which does not align with metabolic acidosis. The PaCO2 is also low, which is not typical for metabolic acidosis, as it would usually have a normal or high PaCO2.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Hyperreflexia:
Hyperreflexia is typically associated with low calcium levels (hypocalcemia), not elevated levels. An elevated calcium level often results in reduced neuromuscular excitability, leading to diminished reflexes rather than heightened ones.
B) Diarrhea:
Elevated calcium levels are more likely to cause constipation rather than diarrhea. Hypercalcemia often slows gastrointestinal motility, which can lead to decreased bowel movements and constipation.
C) Muscle twitching:
Muscle twitching is generally a symptom of hypocalcemia rather than hypercalcemia. Elevated calcium levels tend to depress neuromuscular activity, making muscle twitching less likely.
D) Lethargy:
Lethargy is a common symptom of hypercalcemia. High calcium levels can depress the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, confusion, and lethargy. This makes lethargy a likely finding in a client with an elevated total calcium level.
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