The nurse has administered 12 units of regular insulin to a client with type 1 diabetes at 0700. Which meal would prevent the client from experiencing hypoglycemia due to this administration?
Breakfast
Supper
Lunch
Snack
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Regular insulin peaks within 2-4 hours after administration. Therefore, to prevent hypoglycemia due to the insulin administered at 0700, the client should eat breakfast within 1-2 hours of insulin administration. This will ensure that there is glucose available in the bloodstream to match the insulin's action and prevent blood sugar levels from dropping too low.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially for individuals with diabetes. It helps to regulate blood sugar levels throughout the morning and can even help with weight management and overall health.
Skipping breakfast can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels and increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially after insulin administration.
Choice B rationale:
Supper, typically consumed in the evening, would not be timely enough to prevent hypoglycemia due to the 0700 insulin administration. The insulin's peak action would have already subsided by that time, and the client would be at risk for hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) instead.
Choice C rationale:
Lunch, typically consumed around noon, would also be too late to prevent hypoglycemia from the 0700 insulin administration. The insulin's peak action would have already passed, and the client would be more likely to experience hyperglycemia.
Choice D rationale:
A snack, while it can provide some glucose, is not a substitute for a balanced meal like breakfast. Snacks often contain less protein and fiber, which are essential for slowing down glucose absorption and maintaining blood sugar stability. Relying solely on snacks to prevent hypoglycemia is not a reliable strategy for long-term blood sugar management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale for Choice A:
Repeating the dose of nitroglycerin SL is not recommended at this time due to the patient's hypotension (blood pressure of 88/68 mmHg).
Administering additional nitroglycerin could further lower the blood pressure, potentially leading to adverse consequences such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting.
It's crucial to prioritize patient safety and avoid actions that could exacerbate their condition. Rationale for Choice B:
Notifying the provider is the most appropriate action in this situation for several reasons:
The patient's chest pain has not been relieved by the initial dose of nitroglycerin, indicating a need for further evaluation and potential adjustments to the treatment plan.
The patient's blood pressure is low, which warrants close monitoring and possible intervention to prevent complications.
The provider can assess the patient's overall clinical picture, including other symptoms and medical history, to determine the best course of action.
Early notification allows for timely interventions and potential prevention of further complications. Rationale for Choice C:
While nitroglycerin by translingual spray may be considered in some cases of persistent angina, it's not the most appropriate choice in this situation due to the patient's hypotension.
The translingual spray can also have a rapid onset of action, which might further lower the blood pressure if not carefully monitored.
It's essential to consider the patient's overall hemodynamic status before administering any medication that could potentially affect blood pressure.
Rationale for Choice D:
Administering NPH insulin is not relevant to the management of angina or chest pain.
Insulin is used to treat hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes, and its administration would not address the underlying issue of the patient's chest pain.
It's important to select interventions that are directly targeted at the patient's presenting symptoms and condition.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale for A:
Regular insulin is the only insulin formulation that can be safely administered intravenously. It is a rapid-acting insulin that starts working within 15 minutes and peaks in 1-2 hours, making it ideal for urgent glucose control in situations like diabetic ketoacidosis.
NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin that is not suitable for IV administration. It is designed to be absorbed slowly over several hours, and injecting it intravenously could lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous fluctuations in blood glucose levels.
Subcutaneous (SQ) injection is the standard route of administration for both regular and NPH insulin outside of acute care settings. This route allows for a more gradual and consistent absorption of insulin, which is essential for maintaining stable blood glucose control.
The patient's transfer to the med/surg unit indicates that their condition has stabilized and no longer requires the aggressive glucose control that is achieved with an IV insulin infusion. Therefore, it is appropriate to transition them to SQ insulin injections.
Rationale for B:
While mixing insulins can potentially alter their absorption rates and action profiles, the primary concern with mixing NPH and regular insulin is not an increased risk of hypoglycemia. It is the incompatibility of the formulations for IV administration.
Rationale for C:
NPH and regular insulin can be mixed together for subcutaneous injection, but they are not compatible for intravenous administration.
Rationale for D:
While NPH insulin can be administered as part of an IV insulin drip in the ICU, this is typically done in specific situations where a continuous infusion of both rapid-acting and intermediate-acting insulin is required. It is not the standard practice for NPH insulin administration.
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