The nurse is caring for a client who has a finger stick blood glucose level of 130 mg/dL (7.21 mmol/L). Prior to administering the scheduled dose of acarbose, the nurse is informed that morning meal trays will be 30 minutes late. Which action should the nurse take?Reference Range:
Glucose [74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]
Notify the healthcare provider.
Administer the medication.
Hold the medication until the meal trays arrive.
Obtain another finger stick blood glucose level.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Notify the healthcare provider: Notification of the healthcare provider is not immediately necessary just because of a meal delay. The nurse can manage the situation appropriately by adjusting the medication timing to ensure patient safety without requiring immediate provider involvement.
B. Administer the medication: Acarbose should be taken with the first bite of food to effectively delay carbohydrate absorption. Administering it without food available increases the risk of hypoglycemia, especially since the glucose level is already slightly elevated but within a manageable range.
C. Hold the medication until the meal trays arrive: Acarbose must be taken with the first mouthful of food to match the timing of glucose absorption. Holding the medication until the meal arrives ensures optimal therapeutic effect and prevents unnecessary hypoglycemia.
D. Obtain another finger stick blood glucose level: Rechecking the blood glucose is unnecessary at this time. The primary concern is coordinating the medication with food intake, not monitoring glucose trends over a short 30-minute delay.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Evaluate muscle strength every 4 hours: While assessing muscle strength is important in clients with multiple sclerosis, it does not need to be done this frequently unless the client is unstable. Baclofen may cause weakness, but routine assessments every 4 hours are excessive for stable patients.
B. Advise the client to move slowly and cautiously when rising and walking: Baclofen can cause dizziness, sedation, decreased muscle tone and orthostatic hypotension, particularly in the early stages of treatment. Educating the client to change positions carefully helps reduce the risk of falls and injury.
C. Ensure the client knows to stop baclofen before using other antispasmodics: Baclofen should not be stopped abruptly due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms like hallucinations or seizures. Combining different antispasmodic medications can increase the risk of adverse effects such as excessive sedation or muscle weakness. Medication changes therefore should only be made under the supervision of the healthcare provider.
D. Monitor intake and output every 8 hours: Baclofen does not typically affect renal function or fluid balance significantly. Monitoring intake and output is not a standard intervention specific to baclofen administration unless there is another underlying condition.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Contact the healthcare provider (HCP) immediately if suicidal thoughts occur: Antidepressants like sertraline can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, especially during the early stages of treatment. Immediate reporting of such thoughts is critical to ensure the client’s safety and prevent harm.
B. Contact the healthcare provider (HCP) immediately if muscle stiffness occurs: Although rare, muscle stiffness could signal serotonin syndrome if occurs with a constellation of symptoms including confusion, agitation, fever, sweating and tremors, not just stiffness. Suicidal ideation presents a more immediate and life-threatening risk in clients starting antidepressants and requires the highest priority.
C. Increase activity level to include a daily exercise routine: While exercise is beneficial for managing depression, it is supportive therapy and not the most urgent teaching point compared to recognizing and reporting suicidal ideation associated with antidepressant use.
D. Avoid processed meats, red wine, and Swiss cheese: This dietary restriction is necessary when taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) to prevent hypertensive crises. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), so these dietary precautions are not required.
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