Lewis Ch 48: Diabetes Mellitus

Question 1

Which statement by a nurse to a patient newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is accurate?

a. Insulin is not used to control blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes.
b. Complications of type 2 diabetes are less serious than those of type 1 diabetes.
c. Changes in diet and exercise may control blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes.
d. Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed when a patient is admitted in hyperglycemic coma.

Answer 1

ANS: C
For some patients with type 2 diabetes, changes in lifestyle are sufficient to achieve blood glucose control. Insulin is frequently used for type 2 diabetes, complications are equally severe as for type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed with routine laboratory testing or after a patient develops complications such as frequent yeast infections.

Question 2

A patient screened for diabetes at a clinic has a fasting plasma glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L). What should the nurse plan to teach the patient?

a. Self-monitoring of blood glucose
b. Using low doses of regular insulin
c. Lifestyle changes to lower blood glucose
d. Effects of oral hypoglycemic medications

Answer 2

ANS: C
The patient’s impaired fasting glucose indicates prediabetes, and the patient should be counseled about lifestyle changes to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. The patient with prediabetes does not require insulin or oral hypoglycemics for glucose control and does not need to self-monitor blood glucose.

Question 3

A 28-yr-old male patient with type 1 diabetes reports how he manages his exercise and glucose control. Which behavior indicates that the nurse should implement additional teaching?

a. The patient always carries hard candies when engaging in exercise.
b. The patient goes for a vigorous walk when his glucose is 200 mg/dL.
c. The patient has a peanut butter sandwich before going for a bicycle ride.
d. The patient increases daily exercise when ketones are present in the urine.

Answer 3

ANS: D
When the patient is ketotic, exercise may result in an increase in blood glucose level. Patients with type 1 diabetes should be taught to avoid exercise when ketosis is present. The other statements are correct.

Question 4

The nurse is assessing a 22-yr-old patient experiencing the onset of symptoms of type 1 diabetes. To which question would the nurse anticipate a positive response?

a. “Are you anorexic?”
b. “Is your urine dark colored?”
c. “Have you lost weight lately?”
d. “Do you crave sugary drinks?”

Answer 4

ANS: C
Weight loss occurs because the body is no longer able to absorb glucose and starts to break down protein and fat for energy. The patient is thirsty but does not necessarily crave sugar-containing fluids. Increased appetite is a classic symptom of type 1 diabetes. With the classic symptom of polyuria, urine will be very dilute.

Question 5

A patient with type 2 diabetes is scheduled for a follow-up visit in the clinic several months from now. Which test will the nurse schedule to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for the patient?

a. Fasting blood glucose
b. Glycosylated hemoglobin
c. Oral glucose tolerance test
d. Urine dipstick for glucose and ketones

Answer 5

ANS: B
The glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) test shows the overall control of glucose over 90 to 120 days. A fasting blood level indicates only the glucose level at one time. Urine glucose testing is not an accurate reflection of blood glucose level and does not reflect the glucose over a prolonged time. Oral glucose tolerance testing is done to diagnose diabetes but is not used for monitoring glucose control after diabetes has been diagnosed.

Question 6

The nurse is assessing a 55-yr-old female patient with type 2 diabetes who has a body mass 2
index (BMI) of 31 kg/m .Which goal in the plan of care is most important for this patient?
a. The patient will reach a glycosylated hemoglobin level of less than 7%.
b. The patient will follow a diet and exercise plan that results in weight loss.
c. The patient will choose a diet that distributes calories throughout the day.
d. The patient will state the reasons for eliminating simple sugars in the diet.

Answer 6

ANS: A
The complications of diabetes are related to elevated blood glucose and the most important patient outcome is the reduction of glucose to near-normal levels. A BMI of 30.9/kg/m2 or above is considered obese, so the other outcomes are appropriate but are not as high in priority.

Question 7

A patient who has type 1 diabetes plans to swim laps for an hour daily at 1:00 PM. What advice should the clinic nurse plan to give the patient?

a. Increase the morning dose of NPH insulin (Novolin N).
b. Check glucose level before, during, and after swimming.
c. Time the morning insulin injection to peak while swimming.
d. Delay eating the noon meal until after finishing the swimming.

Answer 7

ANS: B
The change in exercise will affect blood glucose, and the patient will need to monitor glucose carefully to determine the need for changes in diet and insulin administration. Because exercise tends to decrease blood glucose, patients are advised to eat before exercising. Increasing the morning NPH or timing the insulin to peak during exercise may lead to hypoglycemia, especially with the increased exercise.

Question 8

Which statement by the patient who has newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes indicates a need for additional instruction from the nurse?

a. “I will need a bedtime snack because I take an evening dose of NPH insulin.”
b. “I can choose any foods, as long as I use enough insulin to cover the calories.”
c. “I can have an occasional beverage with alcohol if I include it in my meal plan.”
d. “I will eat something at meal times to prevent hypoglycemia, even if I am not
hungry. ”

Answer 8

ANS: B
Most patients with type 1 diabetes need to plan diet choices very carefully. Patients who are using intensified insulin therapy have considerable flexibility in diet choices but still should restrict dietary intake of items such as fat, protein, and alcohol. The other patient statements are correct and indicate good understanding of the diet instruction.

Question 9

Which nursing action is most important in assisting an older patient who has diabetes to engage in moderate daily exercise?

a. Determine what types of activities the patient enjoys.
b. Remind the patient that exercise improves self-esteem.
c. Teach the patient about the effects of exercise on glucose level.
d. Give the patient a list of activities that are moderate in intensity.

Answer 9

ANS: A
Because consistency with exercise is important, assessment for the types of exercise that the patient finds enjoyable is the most important action by the nurse in ensuring adherence to an exercise program. The other actions may be helpful but are not the most important in improving compliance.

Question 10

Which patient statement to the nurse indicates a need for additional instruction in administering insulin?

a. “I can buy the 0.5-mL syringes because the line markings are easier to see.”
b. “I need to rotate injection sites among my arms, legs, and abdomen each day.”
c. “I do not need to aspirate the plunger to check for blood before injecting insulin.”
d. “I should draw up the regular insulin first, after injecting air into the NPH bottle.”

Answer 10

ANS: B
Rotating sites is no longer recommended because there is more consistent insulin absorption when the same site is used consistently. The other patient statements are accurate and indicate that no additional instruction is needed.

Question 11

Which patient action indicates accurate understanding of the nurse’s teaching about administration of aspart (NovoLog) insulin?
a. The patient avoids injecting the insulin into the upper abdominal area.
b. The patient cleans the skin with soap and water before insulin administration.
c. The patient stores the insulin in the freezer after administering the prescribed dose.
d. The patient pushes the plunger down while removing the syringe from the
injection site.

Answer 11

ANS: B
Cleaning the skin with soap and water is acceptable. Insulin should not be frozen. The patient
should leave the syringe in place for about 5 seconds after injection to be sure that all the insulin has been injected. The upper abdominal area is one of the preferred areas for insulin injection.

Question 12

A patient receives aspart (NovoLog) insulin at 8:00 AM. At which time would the nurse anticipate the highest risk for hypoglycemia?

a. 10:00 AM
b. 12:00 AM
c. 2:00 PM
d. 4:00 PM

Answer 12

ANS: A
The rapid-acting insulins peak in 1 to 3 hours. The patient is not at a high risk for hypoglycemia at the other listed times, although hypoglycemia may occur.

Question 13

Which patient action indicates an accurate understanding of the nurse’s teaching about the use of an insulin pump?

a. The patient programs the pump for an insulin bolus after eating.
b. The patient changes the location of the insertion site every week.
c. The patient takes the pump off at bedtime and starts it again each morning.
d. The patient plans a diet with more calories than usual when using the pump.

Answer 13

ANS: A
In addition to the basal rate of insulin infusion, the patient will adjust the pump to administer a bolus after each meal, with the dosage depending on the oral intake. The insertion site should be changed every 2 or 3 days. There is more flexibility in diet and exercise when an insulin pump is used, but it does not provide for consuming a higher calorie diet. The pump will deliver a basal insulin rate 24 hours a day.

Question 14

A patient with diabetes is starting on intensive insulin therapy. Which type of insulin will the nurse discuss using for mealtime coverage?

a. Lispro (Humalog)
b. Glargine (Lantus)
c. Detemir (Levemir)
d. NPH (Humulin N)

Answer 14

ANS: A
Rapid- or short-acting insulin is used for mealtime coverage for patients receiving intensive insulin therapy. NPH, glargine, or detemir will be used as the basal insulin.

Question 15

Which information will the nurse include when teaching a patient who has type 2 diabetes about glyburide?

a. Glyburide decreases glucagon secretion from the pancreas.
b. Glyburide stimulates insulin production and release from the pancreas.
c. Glyburide should be taken even if the morning blood glucose level is low.
d. Glyburide should not be used for 48 hours after receiving IV contrast media.

Answer 15

ANS: B
The sulfonylureas stimulate the production and release of insulin from the pancreas. If the glucose level is low, the patient should contact the health care provider before taking glyburide because hypoglycemia can occur with this class of medication. Metformin should be held for 48 hours after administration of IV contrast media, but this is not necessary for glyburide. Glyburide does not affect glucagon secretion.

Question 16

The nurse has been teaching a patient with type 2 diabetes about managing blood glucose levels and taking glipizide (Glucotrol). Which patient statement indicates a need for additional teaching?

a. “If I overeat at a meal, I will still take the usual dose of medication.”
b. “Other medications besides the Glucotrol may affect my blood sugar.”
c. “When I am ill, I may have to take insulin to control my blood sugar.”
d. “My diabetes won’t cause complications because I don’t need insulin.”

Answer 16

ANS: D
The patient should understand that type 2 diabetes places the patient at risk for many complications and that good glucose control is as important when taking oral agents as when using insulin. The other statements are accurate and indicate good understanding of the use of glipizide.

Question 17

When a patient who takes metformin (Glucophage) to manage type 2 diabetes develops an allergic rash from an unknown cause, the health care provider prescribes prednisone. What should the nurse anticipate?

a. The patient may need a diet higher in calories while receiving prednisone.
b. The patient may develop acute hypoglycemia while taking the prednisone.
c. The patient may require administration of insulin while taking prednisone.
d. The patient may have rashes caused by metformin-prednisone interactions.

Answer 17

ANS: C
Glucose levels increase when patients are taking corticosteroids, and insulin may be required to control blood glucose. Hypoglycemia is not a side effect of prednisone. Rashes are not an adverse effect caused by taking metformin and prednisone simultaneously. The patient may have an increased appetite when taking prednisone but will not need a diet that is higher in calories.

Question 18

A hospitalized patient who is diabetic received 38 U of NPH insulin at 7:00 AM. At 1:00 PM, the patient has been away from the nursing unit for 2 hours, missing the lunch delivery while awaiting a chest x-ray. What is the best action by the nurse to prevent hypoglycemia?

a. Plan to discontinue the evening dose of insulin.
b. Save the lunch tray for the patient’s later return.
c. Request that if testing is further delayed, the patient will eat lunch first.
d. Send a glass of orange juice to the patient in the diagnostic testing area.

Answer 18

ANS: C
Consistency for mealtimes assists with regulation of blood glucose, so the best option is for the patient to have lunch at the usual time. Waiting to eat until after the procedure is likely to cause hypoglycemia. Holding the insulin dose later will not prevent hypoglycemia form the peak of the NPH dose. A glass of juice will keep the patient from becoming hypoglycemic but will cause a rapid rise in blood glucose because of the rapid absorption of the simple carbohydrate in these items.

Question 19

Which action by the patient who is self-monitoring blood glucose indicates a need for additional teaching?

a. Washes the puncture site using warm water and soap.
b. Chooses a puncture site in the center of the finger pad.
c. Hangs the arm down for a minute before puncturing the site.
d. Says the result of 120 mg indicates good blood sugar control.

Answer 19

ANS: B
The patient is taught to choose a puncture site at the side of the finger pad because there are fewer nerve endings along the side of the finger pad. The other patient actions indicate that teaching has been effective.

Question 20

The nurse is preparing to teach a 43-yr-old man who is newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about home management of the disease. Which action should the nurse take first?

a. Assess the patient’s perception of what it means to have diabetes.
b. Ask the patient’s family to participate in the diabetes education program.
c. Demonstrate how to check glucose using capillary blood glucose monitoring.
d. Discuss the need for the patient to actively participate in diabetes management.

Answer 20

ANS: A
Before planning teaching, the nurse should assess the patient’s interest in and ability to self-manage the diabetes. After assessing the patient, the other nursing actions may be appropriate, but planning needs to be specific to each patient.

Question 21

An unresponsive patient who has type 2 diabetes is brought to the emergency department and diagnosed with hyperosmolar hyperglycemia syndrome (HHS). What should the nurse anticipate doing?

a. Giving 50% dextrose
b. Inserting an IV catheter
c. Initiating O2 by nasal cannula
d. Administering glargine (Lantus) insulin

Answer 21

ANS: B
HHS is initially treated with large volumes of IV fluids to correct hypovolemia. Regular insulin is administered, not a long-acting insulin. There is no indication that the patient requires O2. Dextrose solutions will increase the patient’s blood glucose and would be contraindicated.

Question 22

A 26-yr-old female who has type 1 diabetes develops a sore throat and runny nose after caring for her sick toddler. The patient calls the clinic for advice about her symptoms and reports a blood glucose level of 210 mg/dL despite taking her usual glargine (Lantus) and lispro (Humalog) insulin. What should the nurse advise the patient to do?

a. Use only the lispro insulin until the symptoms are resolved.
b. Limit intake of calories until the glucose is less than 120 mg/dL.
c. Monitor blood glucose every 4 hours and contact the clinic if it rises.
d. Decrease carbohydrates until glycosylated hemoglobin is less than 7%.

Answer 22

ANS: C
Infection and other stressors increase blood glucose levels and the patient will need to test blood glucose frequently, treat elevations appropriately with lispro insulin, and call the health care provider if glucose levels continue to be elevated. Discontinuing the glargine will contribute to hyperglycemia and may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Decreasing carbohydrate or caloric intake is not appropriate because the patient will need more calories when ill. Glycosylated hemoglobin testing is not used to evaluate short-term alterations in blood glucose.

Question 23

The health care provider suspects the Somogyi effect in a 50-yr-old patient whose 6:00 AMblood glucose is 230 mg/dL. Which action will the nurse teach the patient to take?

a. Avoid snacking right before bedtime.
b. Increase the rapid-acting insulin dose.
c. Check the blood glucose during the night.
d. Administer a larger dose of long-acting insulin.

Answer 23

ANS: C
If the Somogyi effect is causing the patient’s increased morning glucose level, the patient will experience hypoglycemia between 2:00 and 4:00 AM. The dose of insulin will be reduced, rather than increased. A bedtime snack is used to prevent hypoglycemic episodes during the night.

Question 24

Which action should the nurse take after a patient treated with intramuscular glucagon for hypoglycemia regains consciousness?

a. Assess the patient for symptoms of hyperglycemia.
b. Give the patient a snack of peanut butter and crackers.
c. Have the patient drink a glass of orange juice or nonfat milk.
d. Administer a continuous infusion of 5% dextrose for 24 hours.

Answer 24

ANS: B
Rebound hypoglycemia can occur after glucagon administration, but having a meal containing complex carbohydrates plus protein and fat will help prevent hypoglycemia. Orange juice and nonfat milk will elevate blood glucose rapidly, but the cheese and crackers will stabilize blood glucose. Administration of IV glucose might be used in patients who were unable to take in nutrition orally. The patient should be assessed for symptoms of hypoglycemia after glucagon administration.

Question 25

Which question during the assessment of a patient who has diabetes will help the nurse identify autonomic neuropathy?

a. “Do you feel bloated after eating?”
b. “Have you seen any skin changes?”
c. “Do you need to increase your insulin dosage when you are stressed?”
d. “Have you noticed any painful new ulcerations or sores on your feet?”

Answer 25

ANS: A
Autonomic neuropathy can cause delayed gastric emptying, which results in a bloated feeling for the patient. The other questions are also appropriate to ask but would not help in identifying autonomic neuropathy.

Question 26

Which information will the nurse include in teaching a female patient who has peripheral arterial disease, type 2 diabetes, and sensory neuropathy of the feet and legs?

a. Choose flat-soled leather shoes.
b. Set heating pads on a low temperature.
c. Use a callus remover for corns or calluses.
d. Soak feet in warm water for an hour each day.

Answer 26

ANS: A
The patient is taught to avoid high heels and that leather shoes are preferred. The feet should be washed, but not soaked, in warm water daily. Heating pad use should be avoided. Commercial callus and corn removers should be avoided. The patient should see a specialist to treat these problems.

Question 27

Which finding indicates a need to contact the health care provider before the nurse administers
metformin (Glucophage)?
a. The patient’s blood glucose level is 174 mg/dL.
b. The patient is scheduled for a chest x-ray in an hour.
c. The patient has gained 2 lb (0.9 kg) in the past 24 hours.
d. The patient’s estimated glomerular filtration rate is 42 mL/min.

Answer 27

ANS: D
The glomerular filtration rate indicates possible renal impairment, and metformin should not be used in patients with significant renal impairment. The other findings are not contraindications to the use of metformin.

Question 28

A patient who has diabetes and reports burning foot pain at night receives a new prescription. Which information should the nurse teach the patient about amitriptyline?

a. Amitriptyline decreases the depression caused by your foot pain.
b. Amitriptyline helps prevent transmission of pain impulses to the brain.
c. Amitriptyline corrects some of the blood vessel changes that cause pain.
d. Amitriptyline improves sleep and makes you less aware of nighttime pain.

Answer 28

ANS: B
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) decrease the transmission of pain impulses to the spinal cord and brain. TCAs also improve sleep quality and are used for depression, but that is not the major purpose for their use in diabetic neuropathy. TCAs do not affect the blood vessel changes that contribute to neuropathy.

Question 29

A patient who has type 2 diabetes is being prepared for an elective coronary angiogram. Which information would the nurse anticipate might lead to rescheduling the test?

a. The patient’s most recent A1C was 7.5%.
b. The patient’s blood glucose is 128 mg/dL.
c. The patient took the prescribed metformin today.
d. The patient took the prescribed enalapril 4 hours ago.

Answer 29

ANS: C
To avoid lactic acidosis, metformin should be discontinued a day or 2 before the coronary angiogram and should not be used for 48 hours after IV contrast media are administered. The other patient data will be reported but do not indicate any need to reschedule the procedure.

Question 30

Which action by a patient indicates that the home health nurse’s teaching about glargine and regular insulin has been successful?

a. The patient administers the glargine 30 minutes before each meal.
b. The patient’s family prefills the syringes with the mix of insulins weekly.
c. The patient discards the open vials of glargine and regular insulin after 4 weeks.
d. The patient draws up the regular insulin and then the glargine in the same syringe.

Answer 30

ANS: C
Insulin can be stored at room temperature for 4 weeks. Glargine should not be mixed with other insulins or prefilled and stored. Short-acting regular insulin is administered before meals, and glargine is given once daily.

Question 31

A patient with diabetes rides a bicycle to and from work every day. Which site should the nurse teach the patient to use to administer the morning insulin?

a. Thigh
b. Buttock
c. Abdomen
d. Upper arm

Answer 31

ANS: C
Patients should be taught not to administer insulin into a site that will be exercised because exercise will increase the rate of absorption. The thigh, buttock, and arm are all exercised by riding a bicycle.

Question 32

The nurse is interviewing a new patient with diabetes who takes rosiglitazone (Avandia). Which information would the nurse anticipate resulting in the health care provider discontinuing the medication?

a. The patient’s blood pressure is 154/92.
b. The patient’s blood glucose is 86 mg/dL.
c. The patient reports a history of emphysema.
d. The patient has chest pressure when walking.

Answer 32

ANS: D
Rosiglitazone can cause myocardial ischemia. The nurse should immediately notify the health care provider and expect orders to discontinue the medication. A blood glucose level of 86 mg/dL indicates a positive effect from the medication. Hypertension and a history of emphysema do not contraindicate this medication.

Question 33

The nurse is taking a health history from a 29-yr-old patient at the first prenatal visit. The patient reports that she has no personal history of diabetes, but her mother has diabetes. Which action will the nurse plan to take?

a. Teach the patient about administering regular insulin.
b. Schedule the patient for a fasting blood glucose level.
c. Teach about an increased risk for fetal problems with gestational diabetes.
d. Schedule an oral glucose tolerance test for the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy.

Answer 33

ANS: B
Patients at high risk for gestational diabetes should be screened for diabetes on the initial prenatal visit. An oral glucose tolerance test may also be used to check for diabetes, but it would be done before the twenty-fourth week. Teaching plans would depend on the outcome of a fasting blood glucose test and other tests.

Question 34

A 27-yr-old patient admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has a serum glucose level of 732 mg/dL and serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which action prescribed by the health care provider should the nurse take first?

a. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor.
b. Administer IV potassium supplements.
c. Ask the patient about home insulin doses.
d. Start an insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/hr.

Answer 34

ANS: A
Hypokalemia can lead to potentially fatal dysrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, which would be detected with electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring. Because potassium must be infused over at least 1 hour, the nurse should initiate cardiac monitoring before infusion of potassium. Insulin should not be administered without cardiac monitoring because insulin infusion will further decrease potassium levels. Discussion of home insulin and possible causes can wait until the patient is stabilized.

Question 35

A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis is brought to the emergency department. Which prescribed action should the nurse implement first?

a. Infuse 1 L of normal saline per hour.
b. Give sodium bicarbonate 50 mEq IV push.
c. Administer regular insulin 10 U by IV push.
d. Start a regular insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/hr.

Answer 35

ANS: A
The most urgent patient problem is the hypovolemia associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and the priority is to infuse IV fluids. The other actions can be done after the infusion of normal saline is initiated.

Question 36

A patient who was admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis secondary to a urinary tract infection has been weaned off an insulin drip 30 minutes ago. The patient reports feeling lightheaded and sweaty. Which action should the nurse take first?

a. Infuse dextrose 50% by slow IV push.
b. Administer 1 mg glucagon subcutaneously.
c. Obtain a glucose reading using a finger stick.
d. Have the patient drink 4 ounces of orange juice.

Answer 36

ANS: C
The patient’s clinical manifestations are consistent with hypoglycemia, and the initial action
should be to check the patient’s glucose with a finger stick or order a stat blood glucose. If the
glucose is low, the patient should ingest a rapid-acting carbohydrate, such as orange juice. Glucagon or dextrose 50% might be given if the patient’s symptoms become worse or if the patient is unconscious.

Question 37

A female patient is scheduled for an oral glucose tolerance test. Which information from the patient’s health history is important for the nurse to communicate to the health care provider regarding this test?

a. The patient uses oral contraceptives.
b. The patient runs several days a week.
c. The patient has been pregnant three times.
d. The patient has a family history of diabetes.

Answer 37

ANS: A
Oral contraceptive use may falsely elevate oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) values. Exercise and a family history of diabetes both can affect blood glucose but will not lead to misleading information from the OGTT. History of previous pregnancies may provide informational about gestational glucose tolerance but will not lead to misleading information from the OGTT.

Question 38

Which laboratory value reported by the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) indicates an urgent need for the nurse to assess the patient?

a. Bedtime glucose of 140 mg/dL
b. Noon blood glucose of 52 mg/dL
c. Fasting blood glucose of 130 mg/dL
d. 2-hr postprandial glucose of 220 mg/dL

Answer 38

ANS: B
The nurse should assess the patient with a blood glucose level of 52 mg/dL for symptoms of hypoglycemia and give the patient a carbohydrate-containing beverage such as orange juice. The other values are within an acceptable range or not immediately dangerous for a patient with diabetes.

Question 39

When a patient with type 2 diabetes is admitted for a cholecystectomy, which nursing action can the nurse delegate to a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/VN)?
a. Communicate the blood glucose level and insulin dose to the circulating nurse in
surgery.
b. Discuss the reason for the use of insulin therapy during the immediate
postoperative period.
c. Administer the prescribed lispro (Humalog) insulin before transporting the patient
to surgery.
d. Plan strategies to minimize the risk for hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia during the
postoperative period.

Answer 39

ANS: C
LPN/LVN education and scope of practice includes administration of insulin. Communication about patient status with other departments, planning, and patient teaching are skills that require RN education and scope of practice.

Question 40

An active 32-yr-old male who has type 1 diabetes is being seen in the endocrine clinic. Which finding indicates a need for the nurse to discuss a possible a change in therapy with the health care provider?

a. Hemoglobin A1C level of 6.2%
b. Heart rate at rest of 58 beats/min
c. Blood pressure of 140/88 mmHg
d. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) level of 65 mg/dL

Answer 40

ANS: C
To decrease the incidence of macrovascular and microvascular problems in patients with diabetes, the blood pressure should be kept in normal range. An A1C less than 6.5%, a low resting heart rate (consistent with regular aerobic exercise in a young adult), and an HDL level of 65 mg/dL all indicate that the patient’s diabetes and risk factors for vascular disease are well controlled.

Question 41

A 30-yr-old patient has a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. When should the nurse recommend the patient schedule a dilated eye examination?

a. Every 2 years
b. Every 6 months
c. As soon as available
d. At the age of 39 years

Answer 41

ANS: C
Because many patients have some diabetic retinopathy when they are first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a dilated eye examination is recommended at the time of diagnosis and annually thereafter.

Question 42

Which patient statement indicates that the nurse’s teaching about exenatide (Byetta) has been effective?

a. “I may feel hungrier than usual when I take this medicine.”
b. “I will not need to worry about hypoglycemia with the Byetta.”
c. “I should take my daily aspirin at least an hour before the Byetta.”
d. “I will take the pill at the same time I eat breakfast in the morning.”

Answer 42

ANS: C
Because exenatide slows gastric emptying, oral medications should be taken at least 1 hour before the exenatide to avoid slowing absorption. Exenatide is injected and increases feelings of satiety. Hypoglycemia can occur with this medication.

Question 43

A few weeks after an 82-yr-old patient with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes has been placed on metformin (Glucophage) therapy, the home health nurse makes a visit. Which finding should the nurse promptly discuss with the health care provider?

a. Hemoglobin A1C level is 7.9%.
b. Glomerular filtration rate is decreased.
c. Last eye examination was 18 months ago.
d. Patient has questions about the prescribed diet.

Answer 43

ANS: B
The decrease in renal function may indicate a need to adjust the dose of metformin or change to a different medication. In older patients, the goal for A1C may be higher in order to avoid complications associated with hypoglycemia. The nurse will plan on scheduling the patient for an eye examination and addressing the questions about diet, but the area for prompt intervention is the patient’s decreased renal function.

Question 44

The nurse has administered 4 oz of orange juice to an alert patient whose blood glucose was 62 mg/dL. Fifteen minutes later, the blood glucose is 67 mg/dL. Which action should the nurse take next?

a. Give the patient 4 to 6 oz more orange juice.
b. Administer the PRN glucagon (Glucagon) 1 mg IM.
c. Have the patient eat some peanut butter with crackers.
d. Notify the health care provider about the hypoglycemia.

Answer 44

ANS: A
The “rule of 15” indicates that administration of quickly acting carbohydrates should be done two or three times for a conscious patient whose glucose remains less than 70 mg/dL before notifying the health care provider. More complex carbohydrates and fats may be used after the glucose has stabilized. Glucagon should be used if the patient’s level of consciousness decreases so that oral carbohydrates can no longer be given.

Question 45

Which nursing action can the nurse delegate to experienced unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who are working in the diabetic clinic?

a. Measure the ankle-brachial index.
b. Check for changes in skin pigmentation.
c. Assess for unilateral or bilateral foot drop.
d. Ask the patient about symptoms of depression.

Answer 45

ANS: A
Checking systolic pressure at the ankle and brachial areas and calculating the ankle-brachial index is a procedure that can be done by UAP who have been trained in the procedure. The other assessments require more education and critical thinking and should be done by the registered nurse (RN).

Question 46

After change-of-shift report, which patient will the nurse assess first?
a. A 19-yr-old patient with type 1 diabetes who was admitted with dawn
phenomenon
b. A 35-yr-old patient with type 1 diabetes whose most recent blood glucose reading
was 230 mg/dL
c. A 68-yr-old patient with type 2 diabetes who has severe peripheral neuropathy and
reports burning foot pain
d. A 60-yr-old patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome who has poor
skin turgor and dry oral mucosa

Answer 46

ANS: D
The patient’s diagnosis of HHS and signs of dehydration indicate that the nurse should rapidly assess for signs of shock and determine whether increased fluid infusion is needed. The other patients also need assessment and intervention but do not have life-threatening complications.

Question 47

After change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?
a. A 19-yr-old patient with type 1 diabetes who has a hemoglobin A1C of 12%
b. A 23-yr-old patient with type 1 diabetes who has a blood glucose of 40 mg/dL
c. A 50-yr-old patient who uses exenatide (Byetta) and is reporting acute abdominal
pain
d. A 40-yr-old patient who is pregnant and whose oral glucose tolerance test is 202
mg/dL

Answer 47

ANS: B
Because the brain requires glucose to function, untreated hypoglycemia can cause unconsciousness, seizures, and death. The nurse will rapidly assess and treat the patient with low blood glucose. The other patients also have symptoms that require assessments or interventions, but they are not at immediate risk for life-threatening complications.

Question 48

To monitor for complications in a patient with type 2 diabetes, which tests will the nurse in the diabetic clinic schedule at least annually? (Select all that apply.)

a. Chest x-ray
b. Blood pressure
c. Serum creatinine
d. Urine for microalbuminuria
e. Complete blood count (CBC)
f. Monofilament testing of the foot

Answer 48

ANS: B, C, D, F
Blood pressure, serum creatinine, urine testing for microalbuminuria, and monofilament testing of the foot are recommended at least annually to screen for possible microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes. Chest x-ray and CBC might be ordered if the patient with diabetes presents with symptoms of respiratory or infectious problems but are not routinely included in screening.