A patient is recovering from an episode of diabetic ketoacidosis and reports feeling “anxious, shaky, and sweaty.”. What should be the nurse’s initial action?
Obtain a full set of vital signs.
Administer 1 mg glucagon subcutaneously.
Administer 25 mL of 50% dextrose.
Obtain a blood glucose reading.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While obtaining a full set of vital signs is an important part of assessing a patient’s condition, it should not be the initial action in this case. The symptoms described by the patient suggest hypoglycemia, which requires immediate confirmation and treatment.
Choice B rationale
Administering 1 mg glucagon subcutaneously is not the initial action. Glucagon is used to treat severe hypoglycemia when the patient is unable to take glucose orally. However, the patient’s blood glucose level should be checked first.
Choice C rationale
Administering 25 mL of 50% dextrose is not the initial action. This treatment is used for severe hypoglycemia, but the patient’s blood glucose level should be checked first to confirm hypoglycemia.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a blood glucose reading is the correct initial action. The symptoms described by the patient suggest hypoglycemia. Checking the blood glucose level will confirm whether the patient is hypoglycemic and needs treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
People with Type 1 diabetes have little or no insulin that can be released. This is because their pancreatic β-cells, which produce insulin, are destroyed by an autoimmune process. Without insulin, glucose cannot be taken up into cells to be used for energy. Oral antihyperglycemic agents work by increasing the release of insulin or increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin, so they are not effective in Type 1 diabetes where there is an absolute insulin deficiency.
Choice B rationale
The cost of oral antihyperglycemic agents is not the primary reason they are not used in Type 1 diabetes. The main issue is the lack of insulin production, which these medications cannot address.
Choice C rationale
People with Type 1 diabetes do not typically have resistance to their endogenous insulin. Insulin resistance is more commonly associated with Type 2 diabetes.
Choice D rationale
While hypoglycemia can occur with the use of some antihyperglycemic agents, this is not the primary reason these medications are not used in Type 1 diabetes. The main issue is the absolute deficiency of insulin.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Step 1 is: According to the information from the search results, regular insulin, such as the 16 units prescribed to the patient, starts working 30 minutes to 1 hour after administration and peaks in 2 to 5 hours. Therefore, the patient should expect the insulin peak 2 to 4 hours after administration.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.