During a routine medical evaluation, a client is found to have a random blood glucose level of 310 mg/dL. Which client statements are concerning to the nurse? Select all that apply.
I sleep at least 8 hours each night.
I cannot seem to quench my thirst.
I have to void nearly every hour.
At times my vision is blurry.
I have lost 10 pounds without even trying.
Correct Answer : B
Choice A Reason:
I sleep at least 8 hours each night.
This statement is not concerning because getting adequate sleep is generally a sign of good health. It does not directly relate to symptoms of high blood glucose levels. Therefore, this choice is not relevant to the nurse’s concerns regarding the client’s elevated blood glucose level.
Choice B Reason:
I cannot seem to quench my thirst.
This statement is concerning because excessive thirst, known as polydipsia, is a common symptom of high blood glucose levels or hyperglycemia. When blood glucose levels are elevated, the body tries to eliminate the excess glucose through urine, leading to dehydration and increased thirst. This symptom indicates that the client’s blood glucose levels may be poorly controlled, which requires medical attention.
Choice C Reason:
I have to void nearly every hour.
Frequent urination, or polyuria, is another symptom of high blood glucose levels. When there is too much glucose in the blood, the kidneys work harder to filter and absorb it. When they can’t keep up, the excess glucose is excreted into the urine, pulling fluids from the tissues and causing frequent urination. This symptom is a clear indicator of hyperglycemia and needs to be addressed by the nurse.
Choice D Reason:
At times my vision is blurry.
Blurred vision can be a symptom of high blood glucose levels. Elevated glucose levels can cause the lens of the eye to swell, leading to changes in vision. This symptom is concerning because it suggests that the client’s blood glucose levels are affecting their vision, which can be a sign of poorly managed diabetes or other complications.
Choice E Reason:
I have lost 10 pounds without even trying.
Unintentional weight loss is a concerning symptom of high blood glucose levels. When the body cannot use glucose for energy due to insulin resistance or lack of insulin, it starts to break down muscle and fat for energy, leading to weight loss. This symptom indicates that the client’s diabetes may be uncontrolled, and immediate medical intervention is necessary.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: He is NPO until the speech-language pathologist performs a swallowing evaluation.
This is the most appropriate response. NPO stands for “nil per os,” which means nothing by mouth. After a stroke, it is crucial to assess the patient’s ability to swallow safely to prevent aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia and other complications. A speech-language pathologist is trained to evaluate swallowing function and determine the safest diet for the patient. Until this evaluation is completed, the patient should not consume any food or liquids.
Choice B: Be sure to sit him up when you are feeding him to make him feel more natural.
While sitting the patient up during feeding is important to reduce the risk of aspiration, it is not sufficient on its own. Without a proper swallowing evaluation, feeding the patient could still pose significant risks. Therefore, this choice is not the most appropriate response.
Choice C: You may give him a full-liquid diet, but please avoid solid foods until he gets stronger.
A full-liquid diet might seem like a safer option, but without a swallowing evaluation, there is still a risk of aspiration. The patient’s ability to handle even liquids needs to be assessed by a professional before any oral intake is allowed.
Choice D: Just be sure to add some thickener in his liquids to prevent choking and aspiration.
Thickening liquids can help manage dysphagia, but this should only be done after a swallowing evaluation has determined the appropriate consistency. Administering thickened liquids without an evaluation could still result in aspiration if the patient has severe swallowing difficulties.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Malfunction of the alarm button is unlikely to be the cause of increased peak airway pressure. The alarm is designed to alert the nurse to a problem with the ventilator or the patient’s airway, not to malfunction itself. Therefore, this is not the first thing the nurse should assess.
Choice B Reason:
A cut or slice in the tubing from the ventilator could cause a loss of pressure or air leak, but it would not typically result in increased peak airway pressure. Instead, it would likely cause a decrease in pressure and potentially trigger a different alarm.
Choice C Reason:
Higher than normal endotracheal cuff pressure can contribute to increased peak airway pressure. However, it is not the most immediate concern compared to a kink in the tubing, which can completely obstruct airflow and rapidly compromise the patient’s ventilation.
Choice D Reason:
A kink in the ventilator tubing is a common and immediate cause of increased peak airway pressure. It obstructs the flow of air, leading to a buildup of pressure in the system. This is the first thing the nurse should assess and correct to ensure the patient is receiving adequate ventilation.
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