At 1630 a Type I diabetic client's blood glucose level is 50 mg/dl. The client is alert; however, dinner will not be served until 1715. The nurse's initial action should be to:
monitor the client closely until dinner arrives.
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.
have the client dissolve a small piece of hard candy in their mouth.
The Correct Answer is B
A. While monitoring is important, doing nothing to address the hypoglycemia is not safe. A blood glucose level of 50 mg/dL is low and requires immediate intervention to prevent more severe hypoglycemic symptoms or complications.
B. This is a suitable option for treating mild to moderate hypoglycemia. Orange juice is a quick source of carbohydrates and can effectively raise blood glucose levels. Four ounces typically provides enough sugar to help increase the client's blood glucose level before dinner is served.
C. While this option would also effectively raise blood glucose, it is more complicated than simply having the client drink orange juice. The sugar may take additional time to dissolve, and grape juice may not be readily available. In an acute situation, simplicity and speed are key.
D. While hard candy can raise blood glucose levels, it may take longer to dissolve and provide sufficient glucose quickly compared to liquid sources like orange juice or grape juice. Additionally, the amount of candy needed may not be clear, making this a less reliable option in an urgent situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While exercise is an important aspect of diabetes management, particularly for blood glucose control and overall health, it is not the immediate priority for a newly diagnosed client. Understanding how to manage blood glucose levels is more critical initially.
B. For a client who is newly diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes, learning how to administer insulin is essential. This includes understanding how to prepare, inject, and store insulin, as well as recognizing the signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Proper insulin administration is crucial for managing blood glucose levels and preventing complications.
C. Understanding dietary management is important in diabetes care, as it plays a significant role in blood sugar control. However, without knowing how to administer insulin, a client may struggle to manage their blood glucose levels effectively, making insulin administration a higher priority initially.
D. While monitoring urine for ketones is important, particularly in cases of potential diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), this is not the first priority for a newly diagnosed client. The focus should be on fundamental skills and knowledge for managing diabetes, such as insulin administration.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The effectiveness of oral antihypoglycemic agents does not depend on dosage amounts that would make them cost-prohibitive. Instead, these medications work by stimulating insulin production or enhancing insulin sensitivity, which is not relevant for Type 1 diabetes.
B. While some individuals may have allergies to certain medications, this is not the reason oral antihypoglycemic agents are ineffective for those with Type 1 diabetes. The ineffectiveness is not related to allergy but rather to the underlying pathology of the disease.
C. While it is true that the risk of hypoglycemia exists with all glucose-lowering therapies, this is not the primary reason why oral antihypoglycemics are ineffective in Type 1 diabetes. The use of these agents may increase hypoglycemia risk in a broader context, but the fundamental issue is related to insulin deficiency.
D. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little to no insulin due to autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. Oral antihypoglycemic agents typically rely on the presence of some endogenous insulin to be effective.
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