The practical nurse (PN) reports that a client who has a fingerstick glucose of 35 mg/dL (1.94 mmol/L) is alert and diaphoretic. Which action should the charge nurse take?

Reference Ranges

Glucose [Reference Range: 0 to 50 years: 74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]

Collect a blood sample for hemoglobin Alc.

Give the client a glass of orange juice.

Notify the healthcare provider.

Assess client for polyuria and polyphagia.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

In this situation, the client has a fingerstick glucose level of 35 mg/dL (1.94 mmol/L) and is alert but diaphoretic. The charge nurse should take the following action:

Give the client a glass of orange juice.

A glucose level of 35 mg/dL (1.94 mmol/L) is considered significantly low (hypoglycemia), and the client's symptoms of diaphoresis indicate that the low glucose level is likely causing the symptoms. Providing the client with a glass of orange juice or another source of fast-acting carbohydrate is appropriate to quickly raise the blood sugar level and alleviate the symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Collecting a blood sample for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is not necessary in this acute situation. HbA1c reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months and is used to assess long-term glycemic control in clients with diabetes. It does not provide immediate information or guide immediate interventions for acute hypoglycemia.

Notifying the healthcare provider is not the first action to take in this situation. The client's low glucose level can be promptly addressed by administering a source of fast-acting carbohydrate, such as orange juice. If the client's symptoms persist or worsen despite appropriate intervention, or if there are other concerning factors, then notifying the healthcare provider would be appropriate.

Assessing the client for polyuria (excessive urination) and polyphagia (excessive hunger) is important in the overall management of diabetes, but it is not the immediate action to take in this acute situation of hypoglycemia. The priority at this time is to address the low blood sugar level and relieve the client's symptoms.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

NPO status is crucial before a surgical procedure, especially when anesthesia will be administered. It helps prevent complications related to aspiration of gastric contents during the procedure. Failure to adhere to the NPO status can lead to serious respiratory problems, such as aspiration pneumonia.

It is important for the nurse to confirm the NPO status with the client to ensure that they have followed the appropriate fasting guidelines. This should be done to ensure the client's safety during the surgery.

While determining when the client last had pain medication, offering assistance to the restroom, and reviewing postoperative instructions are important aspects of preoperative care, confirming NPO status is the most critical nursing action in this particular scenario.

A. "Does your child seem mentally slower than his peers also?" B. "Haven't you been feeding him according to recommended daily allowances for children?" C. "His smaller size is probably due to the heart disease." D. "You should not worry about the growth tables. They are only averages for children."

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

In this scenario, the child with a congenital heart defect is presenting with a fever and an

earache. The mother expresses concern about the child's weight and height being at the 5th percentile for his age. Given the child's medical history of a congenital heart defect, it is important for the nurse to address the mother's concerns and provide an accurate response.

The response that states "His smaller size is probably due to the heart disease" is appropriate because children with congenital heart defects may experience growth and developmental delays. Heart defects can affect the child's ability to obtain sufficient nutrients for growth, leading to slower weight and height gain. By acknowledging the relationship between the child's heart disease and his smaller size, the nurse provides the mother with an explanation for the child's growth pattern and helps alleviate concerns.

The other response options are not appropriate or helpful. Asking about the child's mental abilities or implying that the mother has not been feeding the child adequately can be perceived as judgmental or dismissive.

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The practical nurse (PN) reports that a client who has a fingerstick glucose of 35 mg/dL (1.94 mmol/L) is alert and diaphoretic. Which action should the charge nurse take? Reference Ranges Glucose [Reference Range: 0 to 50 years: 74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is assigned to provide care for a client who is scheduled for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in two hours, at 0900. What nursing action is most important?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A 3-year-old boy with a congenital heart defect is brought to the clinic by his mother because he has a fever and an earache. During the assessment, the mother asks the nurse why her child is at the 5th percentile for weight and height for his age. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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The practical nurse (PN) reports that a client who has a fingerstick glucose of 35 mg/dL (1.94 mmol/L) is alert and diaphoretic. Which action should the charge nurse take?

Reference Ranges

Glucose [Reference Range: 0 to 50 years: 74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]