The patient's meal has been delivered, and the nurse checks the pre-meal blood sugar, which is 40 mg/dL. The patient is clammy, diaphoretic, and non-arousable.
What should the nurse do next?
Stay with the patient, call for help, and recheck the blood glucose results.
Follow the hypoglycemia protocol and administer medication to raise the blood glucose.
Closely monitor the patient and recheck the blood glucose level 15 minutes after administering glucose.
Notify the physician immediately without taking other actions.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Staying with the patient and rechecking blood glucose delays immediate corrective action required for severe hypoglycemia (40 mg/dL). While safety is important, prompt treatment with glucose is the priority to prevent further complications.
Choice B rationale
Following the hypoglycemia protocol ensures immediate glucose administration, either orally, intravenously, or intramuscularly, to stabilize the patient. This is critical as glucose levels below 40 mg/dL require urgent intervention to prevent neuronal damage or coma.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring and rechecking glucose after treating is essential but not sufficient as the first action. Hypoglycemia this severe needs immediate treatment before monitoring, ensuring prompt glucose replacement to prevent worsening symptoms.
Choice D rationale
Notifying the physician without treating the hypoglycemia risks unnecessary delays. Immediate action, such as administering glucose per protocol, is vital in this emergency scenario for patient safety.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Chewing gum can increase salivary production, and while saliva may neutralize some stomach acid, the act of chewing can stimulate swallowing and possibly exacerbate symptoms by introducing excess air into the stomach. For GERD patients, avoiding gum may help reduce bloating and gas discomfort.
Choice B rationale
Elevating the head of the bed reduces the likelihood of acid reflux during sleep by using gravity to prevent stomach contents from flowing backward into the esophagus. This strategy aligns with GERD management guidelines and reduces nighttime symptoms.
Choice C rationale
Taking antacids between meals and at bedtime helps neutralize stomach acid temporarily, providing short-term relief of GERD symptoms. While effective, long-term use without addressing dietary and lifestyle factors is not ideal for managing GERD.
Choice D rationale
Eating small meals is beneficial for GERD, as it prevents overdistension of the stomach, but having a bedtime snack contradicts GERD management principles. Late-night eating may increase the risk of acid reflux when lying down, thus requiring more teaching.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Fractures caused by disease processes are termed pathological fractures. Diseases like osteoporosis weaken bones, increasing susceptibility to fractures. Conditions like cancer can invade bone tissue, causing structural fragility. Pathological fractures occur without significant trauma, distinguishing them from those caused by external injuries, which require high-impact forces to break otherwise healthy bones. By definition, trauma fractures arise from external forces, while pathological ones involve internal conditions compromising bone integrity.
Choice B rationale
Traumatic fractures stem from external forces, not from disease processes. This assertion neglects the reality of pathological fractures, which result from diseases undermining the bone's natural strength. Healthy bones typically endure significant stress before fracturing, and the absence of disease makes fractures from minimal trauma highly unlikely. This reasoning excludes pathological fractures caused by internal illnesses or conditions weakening bone structures.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.