A woman who is 26 weeks pregnant has just found out that she has gestational diabetes. Which of the following therapies will most likely be ordered first for this patient?
Oral hypoglycemic medications
Diet control and exercise
Inhaled insulin
Regular insulin injections
The Correct Answer is B
A. Oral hypoglycemic medications. While some oral hypoglycemic agents, such as metformin or glyburide, are used in gestational diabetes, the first-line treatment is always dietary modification and exercise. Medications are only introduced if blood glucose levels remain uncontrolled with lifestyle changes.
B. Diet control and exercise. The initial treatment for gestational diabetes focuses on controlling blood glucose through dietary adjustments, portion control, and regular physical activity. If lifestyle modifications fail to maintain glucose levels within the target range, insulin or oral medications may be introduced.
C. Inhaled insulin. Inhaled insulin is not commonly used in pregnancy because its safety and efficacy for gestational diabetes have not been well established. Insulin therapy, if needed, is typically administered via subcutaneous injection rather than inhalation.
D. Regular insulin injections. Insulin therapy is considered if diet and exercise alone fail to control blood glucose levels. However, it is not the first-line treatment, as many women can successfully manage gestational diabetes without requiring insulin therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Obtain equipment to start a 24-hour urine test on the patient. A 24-hour urine test is not necessary for placenta previa. It is more commonly used for preeclampsia to assess proteinuria, which is unrelated to placenta previa.
B. Obtain equipment for a manual pelvic exam. A manual pelvic exam is contraindicated in placenta previa because it can cause further disruption of the placenta, leading to severe hemorrhage. Instead, diagnosis should be confirmed using ultrasound.
C. Prepare to draw blood for a hemoglobin and hematocrit. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels must be monitored due to the risk of maternal hemorrhage in placenta previa. Significant blood loss can lead to anemia and may require blood transfusions.
D. Obtain equipment for external electronic fetal heart rate monitoring. Continuous fetal monitoring is essential in placenta previa to assess for signs of fetal distress. External monitoring is preferred to avoid vaginal examinations, which could worsen bleeding.
E. Prepare the patient for an ultrasound. Ultrasound is the diagnostic test of choice for placenta previa. It helps determine the exact location of the placenta and confirms whether it is covering the cervix. A transabdominal ultrasound is performed first, followed by a transvaginal ultrasound if necessary.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Enteral nutrition (TPN) to correct nutritional deficits. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is only considered in severe cases where oral and IV hydration fail. The initial treatment focuses on correcting dehydration and electrolyte imbalances before considering more invasive nutritional support.
B. Small frequent meals. While small, frequent meals may help manage nausea in mild cases of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, they are not sufficient for treating hyperemesis gravidarum, which involves severe, persistent vomiting leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
C. Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Corticosteroids are not the first-line treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum. They may be used in refractory cases where standard treatments fail, but IV fluids and antiemetics are prioritized initially.
D. IV therapy to correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances. The primary concern in hyperemesis gravidarum is severe dehydration and electrolyte disturbances due to excessive vomiting. IV fluids, often with electrolytes and thiamine, are the first step in stabilizing the patient before introducing oral intake.
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