The nurse has provided education to a patient with diabetes who is starting on insulin injections.

The nurse asks the patient, “What should you do if your fasting blood glucose is 57 mg/dL?” Which response by the patient would indicate an understanding of the education provided?

Choice A rationale
Diverticulosis is a condition where small pouches, called diverticula, form in the wall of the colon. While it can cause discomfort and complications, it is not a contraindication for laxative use. Laxatives can actually help prevent constipation, which can exacerbate diverticulosis.
Choice B rationale
High ammonia levels due to liver failure can cause serious health problems, including hepatic encephalopathy, a decline in brain function. However, it is not directly related to the use of laxatives. Laxatives work primarily in the colon, not the liver.
Choice C rationale
Abdominal pain of unknown origin could be a sign of a serious condition, such as an intestinal obstruction or appendicitis. Using a laxative could worsen these conditions. Therefore, it’s important to identify the cause of the abdominal pain before using a laxative.
Choice D rationale
Chronic constipation is often treated with laxatives. They work by softening the stool or stimulating the bowel to pass stool. Therefore, chronic constipation is not a contraindication for laxative use.

Choice A rationale
While collecting a urine sample can be important in diagnosing certain conditions, it is not the most important action to take prior to administering an antibiotic for pneumonia.
Choice B rationale
Ensuring the patient is on a cardiac monitor is not the most crucial action prior to administering an antibiotic for pneumonia. While it’s important to monitor the patient’s vital signs, it’s not specifically related to the administration of antibiotics.
Choice C rationale
Collecting a blood culture sample is the most important action to take prior to administering an antibiotic for pneumonia. This is to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection, which can help in selecting the most effective antibiotic.
Choice D rationale
Checking baseline vital signs, including temperature, is important but not the most crucial action prior to administering an antibiotic for pneumonia. It’s part of the overall assessment but does not directly impact the choice or effectiveness of the antibiotic.