NCLEX Style Quiz Flashcards
Which of the following causes of HHNS is most common?
Insulin overdose
Removal of the adrenal gland
Undiagnosed, untreated hyperpituitarism
Undiagnosed, untreated diabetes mellitus
Undiagnosed, untreated diabetes mellitus
The insulin that has the most rapid onset of action would be:
Lente
Lispro
Ultralente
Humulin N
Lispro
Lispro has an immediate onset, a peak of 30-90 minutes, and duration of 2-4 hours.
Insulin forces which of the following electrolytes out of the plasma and into the cells?
Calcium
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Potassium
Potassium
Insulin forces potassium out of the plasma, back into the cells, causing hypokalemia. Potassium is needed to help transport glucose and insulin into the cells. Calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus aren’t affected by insulin.
A client with DM demonstrates acute anxiety when first admitted for the treatment of hyperglycemia. The most appropriate intervention to decrease the client’s anxiety would be to:
Administer a sedative
Make sure the client knows all the correct medical terms to understand what is happening
Ignore the signs and symptoms of anxiety so that they will soon disappear
Convey empathy, trust, and respect toward the client
Convey empathy, trust, and respect toward the client
The most appropriate intervention is to address the client’s feelings related to the anxiety. Administering a sedative is not the most appropriate intervention. The nurse should not ignore the client’s anxious feelings. A client will not relate to medical terms, particularly when anxiety exists.
A bedtime snack is provided for Albert. This is based on the knowledge that intermediate-acting insulins are effective for an approximate duration of:
6-8 hours
10-14 hours
16-20 hours
24-28 hours
16-20 hours
Which of the following methods of insulin administration would be used in the initial treatment of hyperglycemia in a client with diabetic ketoacidosis?
Subcutaneous
Intramuscular
IV bolus only
IV bolus, followed by continuous infusion
IV bolus, followed by continuous infusion
An IV bolus of insulin is given initially to control the hyperglycemia; followed by a continuous infusion, titrated to control blood glucose. After the client is stabilized, subcutaneous insulin is given. Insulin is never given intramuscularly.
Albert, a 35-year-old insulin dependent diabetic, is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of pneumonia. He has been febrile since admission. His daily insulin requirement is 24 units of NPH. Every morning Albert is given NPH insulin at 0730. Meals are served at 0830, 1230, and 1830. The nurse expects that the NPH insulin will reach its maximum effect (peak) between the hours of:
1130 and 1330
1330 and 1930
1530 and 2130
1730 and 2330
1330 and 1930
A client with type 1 DM calls the nurse to report recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia with exercise. Which statement by the client indicated an inadequate understanding of the peak action of NPH insulin and exercise?
“The best time for me to exercise is every afternoon.”
“The best time for me to exercise is right after I eat.”
“The best time for me to exercise is after breakfast.”
“The best time for me to exercise is after my morning snack.”
“The best time for me to exercise is every afternoon.”
A hypoglycemic reaction may occur in the response to increased exercise. Clients should avoid exercise during the peak time of insulin. NPH insulin peaks at 6-14 hours; therefore afternoon exercise will occur during the peak of the medication. Options B, C, and D do not address peak action times.
A client’s blood gases reflect diabetic acidosis. The nurse should expect:
Increased pH
Decreased PO2
Increased PCO2
Decreased HCO3
Decreased HCO3
The bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffer system helps maintain the pH of the body fluids; in metabolic acidosis there is a decrease in bicarbonate because of an increase of metabolic acids.
A client with type 1 DM has a fingerstick glucose level of 258mg/dl at bedtime. An order for sliding scale insulin exists. The nurse should:
Call the physician
Encourage the intake of fluids
Administer the insulin as ordered
Give the client ½ c. of orange juice
Administer the insulin as ordered
A value of 258mg/dl is above the expected range of 70-105 mg/dl; the nurse should administer the insulin as ordered.
Rotating injection sites when administering insulin prevents which of the following complications?
Insulin edema
Insulin lipodystrophy
Insulin resistance
Systemic allergic reactions
Insulin lipodystrophy
Insulin lipodystrophy produces fatty masses at the injection sites, causing unpredictable absorption of insulin injected into these sites.
Albert refuses his bedtime snack. This should alert the nurse to assess for:
Elevated serum bicarbonate and a decreased blood pH.
Signs of hypoglycemia earlier than expected.
Symptoms of hyperglycemia during the peak time of NPH insulin.
Sugar in the urine
Signs of hypoglycemia earlier than expected.
A client with DM states, “I cannot eat big meals; I prefer to snack throughout the day.” The nurse should carefully explain that the:
Regulated food intake is basic to control
Salt and sugar restriction is the main concern
Small, frequent meals are better for digestion
Large meals can contribute to a weight problem
Regulated food intake is basic to control
An understanding of the diet is imperative for compliance. A balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats usually apportioned over three main meals and two-between meals snacks needs to be tailored to the client’s specific needs, with due regard for activity, diet, and therapy.
Knowing that gluconeogenesis helps to maintain blood levels, a nurse should:
Document weight changes because of fatty acid mobilization
Evaluate the patient’s sensitivity to low room temperatures because of decreased adipose tissue insulation
Protect the patient from sources of infection because of decreased cellular protein deposits
Do all of the above
Do all of the above
A clinical feature that distinguishes a hypoglycemic reaction from a ketoacidosis reaction is:
Blurred vision
Diaphoresis
Nausea
Weakness
Diaphoresis
Clinical nursing assessment for a patient with microangiopathy who has manifested impaired peripheral arterial circulation includes all of the following except:
Integumentary inspection for the presence of brown spots on the lower extremities
Observation for paleness of the lower extremities
Observation for blanching of the feet after the legs are elevated for 60 seconds
Palpation for increased pulse volume in the arteries of the lower extremities
Palpation for increased pulse volume in the arteries of the lower extremities
The lowest fasting plasma glucose level suggestive of a diagnosis of DM is:
90mg/dl
115mg/dl
126mg/dl
180mg/dl
126mg/dl
A nurse is caring for a client admitted to the ER with DKA. In the acute phase the priority nursing action is to prepare to:
Administer regular insulin intravenously
Administer 5% dextrose intravenously
Correct the acidosis
Apply an electrocardiogram monitor
Administer regular insulin intravenously
lack (absolute or relative) of insulin is the primary cause of DK1. Treatment consists of insulin administration (regular insulin), IV fluid administration (normal saline initially), and potassium replacement, followed by correcting acidosis. Applying an electrocardiogram monitor is not a priority action.
When a client is in diabetic ketoacidosis, the insulin that would be administered is:
Human NPH insulin
Human regular insulin
Insulin lispro injection
Insulin glargine injection
Human regular insulin
Regular insulin (Humulin R) is a short-acting insulin and is administered via IV with an initial dose of 0.3 units/kg, followed by 0.2 units/kg 1 hour later, followed by 0.2 units/kg every 2 hours until blood glucose becomes
Clinical manifestations associated with a diagnosis of type 1 DM include all of the following except:
Hypoglycemia
Hyponatremia
Ketonuria
Polyphagia
Hypoglycemia
Rotation sites for insulin injection should be separated from one another by 2.5 cm (1 inch) and should be used only every:
Third day
Week
2-3 weeks
2-4 weeks
2-3 weeks
To prevent lipodystrophy.
The nurse knows that glucagon may be given in the treatment of hypoglycemia because it:
Inhibits gluconeogenesis
Stimulates the release of insulin
Increases blood glucose levels
Provides more storage of glucose
Increases blood glucose levels
Glucagon, an insulin antagonist produced by the alpha cells in the islets of langerhans, leads to the conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver.
A client with DM has an above-knee amputation because of severe peripheral vascular disease, Two days following surgery, when preparing the client for dinner, it is the nurse’s primary responsibility to:
Check the client’s serum glucose level
Assist the client out of bed to the chair
Place the client in a high-fowlers position
Ensure that the client’s residual limb is elevated
Check the client’s serum glucose level
Because the client has diabetes, it is essential that the blood glucose level be determined before meals to evaluate the success of control of diabetes and the possible need for insulin coverage.
A nurse is preparing a plan of care for a client with DM who has hyperglycemia. The priority nursing diagnosis would be: 1. High risk for d
High risk for deficient fluid volume
Deficient knowledge: disease process and treatment
Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
Disabled family coping: compromised
High risk for deficient fluid volume
Increased blood glucose will cause the kidneys to excrete the glucose on the urine. This glucose is accompanied by fluids and electrolytes, causing osmotic diuresis leading to dehydration. This fluid loss must be replaced when it becomes severe. Options B, C, and D are not related specifically to the issue of the question.
When a client is first admitted with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS), the nurse’s priority is to provide:
Oxygen
Carbohydrates
Fluid replacement
Dietary instruction
Fluid replacement
As a result of osmotic pressures created by increased serum glucose, the cells become dehydrated; the client must receive fluid and then insulin.
Which of the following chronic complications is associated with diabetes?
Dizziness, dyspnea on exertion, and coronary artery disease
Retinopathy, neuropathy, and coronary artery disease
Leg ulcers, cerebral ischemic events, and pulmonary infarcts
Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrhythmia’s
Retinopathy, neuropathy, and coronary artery disease
These are all chronic complications of diabetes. Dizziness, dyspnea on exertion, and coronary artery disease are symptoms of aortic valve stenosis. Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrhythmias are symptoms of hyperparathyroidism. Leg ulcers, cerebral ischemic events, and pulmonary infarcts are complications of sickle cell anemia.
A client with diabetes mellitus visits a health care clinic. The client’s diabetes previously had been well controlled with glyburide (Diabeta), 5 mg PO daily, but recently the fasting blood glucose has been running 180-200mg/dl. Which medication, if added to the clients regimen, may have contributed to the hyperglycemia?
Prednisone (Deltasone)
Atenolol (Tenormin)
Phenelzine (Nardil)
Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
Prednisone (Deltasone)
Prednisone may decrease the effect of oral hypoglycemics, insulin, diuretics, and potassium supplements.
Which of the following nursing interventions should be taken for a client who complains of nausea and vomits one hour after taking his glyburide (DiaBeta)?
Which of the following nursing interventions should be taken for a client who complains of nausea and vomits one hour after taking his glyburide (DiaBeta)?
Give subcutaneous insulin and monitor blood glucose
Monitor blood glucose closely, and look for signs of hypoglycemia
Monitor blood glucose, and assess for signs of hyperglycemia
Monitor blood glucose closely, and look for signs of hypoglycemia
When a client who has taken an oral antidiabetic agent vomits, the nurse would monitor glucose and assess him frequently for signs of hypoglycemic. Most of the medication has probably been absorbed. Therefore, repeating the dose would further lower glucose levels later in the day. Giving insulin would also lower the glucose levels, causing hypoglycemic. The client wouldn’t have hyperglycemia if the glyburide was absorbed.
A client with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is being treated in the ER. Which finding would a nurse expect to note as confirming this diagnosis?
Elevated blood glucose level and a low plasma bicarbonate
Decreased urine output
Increased respirations and an increase in pH
Comatose state
Elevated blood glucose level and a low plasma bicarbonate
In diabetic acidiosis the arterial pH is less than 7.35. plasma bicarbonate is less than 15mEq/L, and the blood glucose level is higher than 250mg/dl and ketones are present in the blood and urine. The client would be experiencing polyuria, and Kussmauls respirations would be present. A comatose state may occur if DKA is not treated, but coma would not confirm the diagnosis
A client is taking NPH insulin daily every morning. The nurse instructs the client that the most likely time for a hypoglycemic reaction to occur is:
2-4 hours after administration
6-14 hours after administration
16-18 hours after administration
18-24 hours after administration
6-14 hours after administration
NPH is intermediate acting insulin. The onset of action is 1-2 hours, it peaks in 6-14 hours, and it’s duration of action is 24 hours. Hypoglycemic reactions most likely occur during peak time.
Glucose is an important molecule in a cell because this molecule is primarily used for:
Extraction of energy
Synthesis of protein
Building of genetic material
Formation of cell membranes
Extraction of energy
Glucose catabolism is the main pathway for cellular energy production.
A nurse performs a physical assessment on a client with type 2 DM. Findings include a fasting blood glucose of 120mg/dl, temperature of 101, pulse of 88, respirations of 22, and a bp of 140/84. Which finding would be of most concern of the nurse?
Pulse
BP
Respiration
Temperature
Temperature
An elevated temperature may indicate infection. Infection is a leading cause of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome or diabetic ketoacidosis.
An external insulin pump is prescribed for a client with DM. The client asks the nurse about the functioning of the pump. The nurse bases the response on the information that the pump:
Gives small continuous dose of regular insulin subcutaneously, and the client can self-administer a bolus with an additional dosage from the pump before each meal.
Is timed to release programmed doses of regular or NPH insulin into the bloodstream at specific intervals.
Is surgically attached to the pancreas and infuses regular insulin into the pancreas, which in turn releases the insulin into the bloodstream.
Continuously infuses small amounts of NPH insulin into the bloodstream while regularly monitoring blood glucose levels.
Gives small continuous dose of regular insulin subcutaneously, and the client can self-administer a bolus with an additional dosage from the pump before each meal.
An insulin pump provides a small continuous dose of regular insulin subcutaneously throughout the day and night, and the client can self-administer a bolus with additional dosage from the pump before each meal as neede4. Regular insulin is used in an insulin pump. An external pump is not attached surgically to the pancreas.
Clients with type 1 diabetes may require which of the following changes to their daily routine during periods of infection?
No changes
Less insulin
More insulin
Oral antidiabetic agents
More insulin
During periods of infection or illness, diabetics may need even more insulin to compensate for increased blood glucose levels.
The nurse is admitting a client with hypoglycemia. Identify the signs and symptoms the nurse should expect. Select all that apply.
Thirst
Palpitations
Diaphoresis
Slurred speech
Hyperventilation
Palpitations
Diaphoresis
Slurred speech
Palpitations, an adrenergic symptom, occur as the glucose levels fall; the sympathetic nervous system is activated and epinephrine and norepinephrine are secreted causing this response. Diaphoresis is a sympathetic nervous system response that occurs as epinephrine and norepinephrine are released. Slurred speech is a neuroglycopenic symptom; as the brain receives insufficient glucose, the activity of the CNS becomes depressed.
The nurse expects that a type 1 diabetic may receive ____ of his or her morning dose of insulin preoperatively:
10-20%
25-40%
50-60%
85-90%
50-60%
A client is in DKA, secondary to infection. As the condition progresses, which of the following symptoms might the nurse see?
Kussmaul’s respirations and a fruity odor on the breath
Shallow respirations and severe abdominal pain
Decreased respirations and increased urine output
Cheyne-stokes respirations and foul-smelling urine
Kussmaul’s respirations and a fruity odor on the breath
Coma and severe acidosis are ushered in with Kussmaul’s respirations (very deep but not labored respirations) and a fruity odor on the breath (acetone breath).
