After giving 6 oz of orange juice to a patient with hypoglycemia, the nurse finds that the patient's blood glucose level is 65 mg/dl. Which nursing intervention would be the most appropriate in this situation?
Giving an additional 15 g of carbohydrate
Giving 25 to 50 ml of 50% glucose IV
Administering 1 mg IM glucagon
Administering 5% to 10% dextrose infusion
The Correct Answer is A
A. After administering a carbohydrate source (e.g., 6 oz of orange juice), the nurse should reassess the patient's blood glucose level. If the glucose is still below the target range (typically above 70 mg/dL), the next step is to give an additional 15 grams of carbohydrate to raise the blood sugar. This is a standard approach for mild to moderate hypoglycemia.
B. Giving 25 to 50 ml of 50% glucose IV is typically reserved for patients who are severely hypoglycemic and unable to swallow or are unresponsive. This method is appropriate when the patient cannot take oral glucose, but the client in this scenario is still conscious.
C. Administering 1 mg IM glucagon is used when a patient is unable to ingest glucose orally and is unresponsive or vomiting. It stimulates the liver to release stored glucose, but this is not necessary in a conscious patient who can swallow.
D. Administering a 5% to 10% dextrose infusion is typically used in more severe cases of hypoglycemia, especially when IV access is established, and the patient is unable to take oral glucose. This would not be necessary for a patient who can safely swallow.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Obtain a prescription for supplemental oxygen: This is the correct answer. The patient is experiencing hypoxia, and ensuring adequate oxygenation is the priority. Oxygen supplementation is essential to correct the hypoxia, which can exacerbate metabolic disturbances like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Improving oxygenation will also support other treatments, such as insulin administration, by improving tissue perfusion.
B. Obtain a prescription to administer insulin: While insulin is a key treatment for DKA, addressing hypoxia first is more urgent. Hypoxia can impair the effectiveness of insulin and other therapies, so stabilizing the patient’s oxygen levels should be prioritized before insulin administration.
C. Obtain a prescription to administer intravenous fluids: Administering fluids is important in DKA management, especially for rehydration and correcting electrolyte imbalances. However, addressing hypoxia first is the priority to stabilize the patient and ensure optimal perfusion for further interventions like fluid resuscitation.
D. Obtain a prescription to check the client's glucose level: This is not necessary, as the glucose level is likely already elevated, which is characteristic of DKA. The focus should be on stabilizing the patient's airway and oxygenation before monitoring glucose levels or starting insulin.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Formoterol is a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) used for maintenance therapy, not for aborting acute asthma attacks. LABAs help prevent asthma symptoms but are not effective for immediate relief during an acute attack.
B. Albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA), which is the medication of choice for relieving acute asthma symptoms. It acts quickly to relax the muscles of the airways and relieve bronchospasm.
C. Beclomethasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term asthma control, reducing inflammation, but it is not used to treat acute attacks.
D. Salmeterol is another LABA, similar to formoterol, and is not used for aborting acute asthma attacks but rather for long-term control.
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