Neuropathies are a potential complication of diabetes. Why do these occur?
Thickening and ischemia of the vessels that supply the nerve fibers.
Infection in the nerves.
Excessive glucose exposure to the brain and spinal cord.
Inability to provide continuous glucose to the brain and spinal cord.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Neuropathies occur due to the thickening, sclerosis, obstruction, and ischemia of the small blood vessels that supply the nerves (vasa nervorum). Chronic hyperglycemia leads to damage of these blood vessels, reducing blood flow and oxygen supply to the nerves. This ischemia results in nerve degeneration, delayed nerve conduction, and impaired sensory function, which are characteristic of diabetic neuropathy.
Choice B reason: Infection in the nerves is not a primary cause of diabetic neuropathy. While infections can affect the nerves, the neuropathy associated with diabetes is primarily due to vascular complications and chronic hyperglycemia, not infections.
Choice C reason: Excessive glucose exposure to the brain and spinal cord is not directly related to neuropathy. The neuropathic complications in diabetes are due to the damage of peripheral nerves caused by hyperglycemia and vascular insufficiency, rather than glucose affecting the central nervous system.
Choice D reason: Inability to provide continuous glucose to the brain and spinal cord is not a cause of neuropathy. The brain and spinal cord typically have a continuous supply of glucose. Neuropathy in diabetes results from the damage to the peripheral nerves due to prolonged high blood glucose levels and subsequent vascular complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Oral hypoglycemic drugs are not used as insulin replacements. Insulin replacement is usually achieved through the administration of insulin injections or insulin pumps. These devices deliver the hormone directly into the body to help regulate blood sugar levels, especially in individuals with type 1 diabetes or severe type 2 diabetes where insulin production is significantly impaired. Oral hypoglycemic drugs, on the other hand, work by different mechanisms and are primarily used for type 2 diabetes management.
Choice B reason: Many oral hypoglycemic drugs, such as metformin and thiazolidinediones, work by reducing insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a condition where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. By improving the body's sensitivity to insulin, these drugs help lower blood sugar levels and improve glucose uptake by the cells. This mechanism is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes, where insulin resistance is a significant issue.
Choice C reason: Some oral hypoglycemic drugs, like metformin, do help in reducing glucose production by the liver. However, saying that these drugs "prevent" the formation of glucose is not entirely accurate. These drugs can inhibit gluconeogenesis, the process by which the liver produces glucose, thereby helping to lower blood sugar levels. However, this is only one aspect of their action, and they are not solely classified based on this mechanism.
Choice D reason: Decreasing the body's need for glucose in body cells is not a primary action of oral hypoglycemic drugs. These medications aim to regulate blood glucose levels by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing glucose production in the liver, and sometimes increasing insulin secretion by the pancreas. The goal is to ensure that glucose is effectively utilized by the body's cells and that blood sugar levels are kept within a healthy range.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Edema refers to the accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces of tissues, leading to swelling. While it involves fluid retention, it does not specifically describe fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity.
Choice B reason: Third spacing refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid in areas where it is not normally found, such as the peritoneal cavity, pleural cavity, or pericardial sac. In the context of the peritoneal cavity, this condition is known as ascites, a type of third spacing.
Choice C reason: Blanching refers to the whitening of the skin when pressure is applied, which is often used as a sign to assess capillary refill time. It does not relate to fluid accumulation.
Choice D reason: Pitting edema refers to a type of edema where pressing on the swollen area leaves an indentation or "pit" that takes time to refill. While it is a type of fluid retention, it does not specifically describe fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity.
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