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) Hispanic ethnicity: While ethnicity can influence the prevalence and risk of hypertension, Hispanic ethnicity alone is not a direct risk factor for hypertension. Other factors such as lifestyle, diet, and genetic predispositions play more significant roles in the development of hypertension.
B) Cholesterol 190 mg/dL: Although elevated cholesterol levels can contribute to cardiovascular disease, a cholesterol level of 190 mg/dL is considered borderline high but not a primary risk factor for hypertension. The risk for hypertension is more directly related to factors like blood pressure levels and weight.
C) BMI of 28: A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 28 falls into the overweight category, which is a known risk factor for developing hypertension. Excess body weight can increase blood pressure by increasing the workload on the heart and contributing to insulin resistance, which can further elevate blood pressure.
D) History of atrial fibrillation: While atrial fibrillation is a significant cardiac condition and can be associated with other cardiovascular risks, it is not a direct risk factor for the development of hypertension. The primary risk factors for hypertension include factors like obesity, diet, and physical inactivity.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) "Wash hands for 10 seconds after caring for the client.": Proper hand hygiene is critical in preventing the spread of infections, but the recommended duration for handwashing is at least 20 seconds. This option does not specify the necessary steps to ensure effective hand hygiene.
B) "Monitor the client for manifestations of dehydration.": Older adults are at a higher risk of dehydration due to gastroenteritis, which can cause significant fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea. Monitoring for signs of dehydration, such as dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, and reduced urine output, is a priority in managing their condition and preventing complications.
C) "Use toilet paper to remove stool from the client's skin.": While keeping the client clean is important, using toilet paper might not be sufficient or gentle enough to effectively clean and protect the skin. Using appropriate cleansing methods and skin care products is better for maintaining skin integrity.
D) "Administer diphenoxylate/atropine to the client.": While this medication can help reduce diarrhea, it may not be the first action to take. In some cases, stopping diarrhea too quickly can prevent the elimination of harmful pathogens. Monitoring and addressing hydration status is more critical initially in the management of gastroenteritis.
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