The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM). Which finding is an early sign of hypoglycemia?
Polyuria.
Tremors.
Bradycardia.
Difficulty swallowing.
The Correct Answer is B
Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels drop below normal levels. It is commonly associated with diabetes mellitus and can result from various factors such as excessive insulin or oral hypoglycemic medication, delayed or missed meals, increased physical activity, or alcohol consumption.
Tremors, or shaking hands, are one of the early signs of hypoglycemia. They can occur due to the brain's response to low blood glucose levels. Other early signs of hypoglycemia may include sweating, palpitations, anxiety, hunger, and weakness.
A. Polyuria, or excessive urination, is not typically associated with hypoglycemia. It is more commonly seen in conditions such as hyperglycemia or diabetes insipidus.
C. Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not a characteristic sign of hypoglycemia. It can occur in some cases of severe hypoglycemia, but it is not an early sign.
D. Difficulty swallowing is not directly related to hypoglycemia. It may be caused by other factors such as neurological or muscular conditions, esophageal disorders, or structural abnormalities in the throat or esophagus.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","E"]
Explanation
The PN should instruct the UAP to observe and report any ear drainage after removing the device, as this may indicate an infection or irritation of the ear canal. The PN should also instruct the UAP to verify that the device is labeled with client's identification, as this can prevent mix-ups or misplacement of the device. The PN should also instruct the UAP to remove ear wax from the device's surface, as this can improve the sound quality and prevent damage to the device.
The other options are not correct because:
a. Keeping the battery door closed during storage is not a correct instruction, as it can drain the battery and shorten its life span. The PN should instruct the UAP to keep the battery door open during storage, as this can conserve the battery power and prevent corrosion.
c. Storing the device on the window sill to prevent loss is not a correct instruction, as it can expose the device to heat, moisture, or sunlight, which can damage its components or affect its function. The PN should instruct the UAP to store the device in a dry, cool, and safe place, such as a case or a drawer.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is the correct answer because it is the most important and relevant action that the PN should do for a postoperative patient with a PCA machine. A PCA machine is a computerized device that allows the patient to self-administer a preset dose of pain medication, usually an opioid, by pressing a buton. The PCA machine is attached to an intravenous (IV) line that delivers the medication directly into the bloodstream. The PCA machine can provide effective and individualized pain relief for postoperative patients, as well as increase their sense of control and satisfaction¹².
The PN should assess the pain management response of the postoperative patient with a PCA machine by monitoring their pain level, vital signs, oxygen saturation, sedation level, and side effects. The PN should use a valid and reliable pain scale, such as the numeric rating scale (NRS) or the visual analog scale (VAS), to measure the patient's pain intensity and relief. The PN should also check the settings and functioning of the PCA machine, such as the dose, lockout interval, and limit. The PN should document and report the patient's pain management response and any problems or complications with the PCA machine to the health care provider.
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