A Type 1 diabetic client’s blood glucose level is 50 mg/dL at 16:30. The client is alert; however, dinner will not be served until 17:15. What should be the nurse’s initial action?
Have the client drink 4 oz. of orange juice
Give the client 3 tbsp.
of sugar dissolved in 4 oz. of grape juice to drink
Monitor the client closely until dinner arrives
The Correct Answer is A
Step 1 is to understand that a blood glucose level of 50 mg/dL is considered hypoglycemic. Immediate treatment is necessary to raise the blood glucose level.
Step 2 is to follow the 15-15 rule for treating hypoglycemia, which recommends consuming 15 grams of carbohydrates and then checking blood glucose levels after 15 minutes. Four ounces of orange juice contains about 15 grams of carbohydrates and can quickly raise blood glucose levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Complaints of muscle cramps with exercise. While muscle cramps with exercise can be a symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), they are more commonly associated with the earlier stages of the disease, known as intermittent claudication.
Choice B rationale
Pedal pulses are +1 bilaterally. Reduced or absent pedal pulses can be a sign of PAD, but a finding of +1 pedal pulses does not necessarily correlate with stage III of the disease.
Choice C rationale
Complaints of burning pain during the night. Stage III PAD, also known as critical limb ischemia, is characterized by more severe symptoms, including discomfort or pain in the feet or toes, even while at rest. Symptoms tend to worsen at night.
Choice D rationale
Tissue that is blackened on the great toe. This is a sign of gangrene, which is a severe and potentially life-threatening complication of PAD2. However, it is not a typical finding in stage III PAD, and would more likely be seen in the most advanced stage of the disease.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
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.
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