A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a client who is receiving digoxin and notes a decreased potassium level. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects?

Management of hypoglycemia in a client with Type 1 diabetes mellitus involves rapid recognition and prompt administration of fast-acting carbohydrates to restore blood glucose levels. Mild hypoglycemia commonly presents with symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, hunger, irritability, or dizziness when blood glucose falls below normal levels. The priority treatment for a conscious client is administration of rapidly absorbable carbohydrates that can quickly raise serum glucose. Timely intervention helps prevent progression to severe neurological impairment or loss of consciousness.

Rationale:
A. Glucagon injection is typically reserved for severe hypoglycemia when the client is unconscious, unable to swallow safely, or experiencing seizures. Since the adolescent has only mild symptoms and is presumably alert enough to take oral carbohydrates, injectable glucagon is unnecessary at this stage. Oral treatment is preferred for mild hypoglycemic episodes.

B. One teaspoon of sugar alone does not provide an adequate amount of carbohydrate to effectively correct hypoglycemia. Standard treatment recommendations usually involve approximately 15 g of rapid-acting carbohydrate. A single teaspoon contains too little glucose and may not raise serum glucose sufficiently or rapidly enough.

C. A glass of orange juice is appropriate because it contains rapidly absorbed simple carbohydrates that quickly increase blood glucose levels. Fruit juice is commonly recommended for conscious clients experiencing mild hypoglycemia due to its fast onset of action. This intervention follows the “15-15 rule” commonly used in hypoglycemia management.

D. Peanut butter is not appropriate for immediate correction of hypoglycemia because its fat and protein content slows glucose absorption. Although it may help maintain glucose levels after initial correction, it does not act quickly enough to treat acute low blood sugar. Rapid-acting carbohydrates are needed first.

Risk-taking behavior in young adults is influenced by lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and health awareness. This developmental stage often involves experimentation and reduced perception of long-term health consequences. Limiting risk-taking behavior is demonstrated by proactive health-promoting actions and avoidance of known risk factors. Nursing assessment focuses on identifying protective behaviors that reduce the likelihood of chronic disease or injury.

Rationale:
A. Switching from tobacco cigarettes to electronic cigarettes does not eliminate risk-taking behavior because electronic cigarettes still expose the client to nicotine and potentially harmful chemicals. While it may reduce some risks compared to traditional smoking, it is not considered a fully healthy or risk-limiting behavior. The client is still engaging in substance use that carries health consequences.

B. Being exposed to toxic chemicals at work without current harm indicates ongoing occupational risk exposure. Even if no injury has occurred yet, continued exposure without adequate protection or mitigation strategies still represents a risk-taking environment. This statement does not reflect active efforts to reduce risk.

C. Acknowledging stress at work and home without taking action does not demonstrate risk reduction. Chronic stress without coping strategies or intervention can contribute to adverse physical and mental health outcomes. Passive acceptance of stressors reflects lack of protective behavior rather than risk limitation.

D. Acknowledging a family history of diabetes and actively choosing a healthy diet reflects preventive health behavior. This indicates awareness of genetic risk factors and implementation of lifestyle modifications to reduce disease development. In relation to Type 2 diabetes mellitus, dietary control is a key modifiable factor that helps reduce risk and demonstrates proactive health management.