HESI RN Exit Exam Related

Review HESI RN Exit Exam related questions and content

The nurse is preparing a 50 ml dose of 50% dextrose IV for a client with insulin shock. What is the most immediate intervention by the nurse?

  • A. Dilute the dextrose in one liter of 0.9% Normal Saline solution.
  • B. Mix the dextrose in a 50 ml piggyback for a total volume of 100 ml.
  • C. Push the undiluted dextrose slowly through the current IV infusion.
  • D. Ask the pharmacist to add the dextrose to a TPN solution.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct immediate intervention by the nurse in this situation is to push the undiluted 50% dextrose slowly through the current IV infusion. This is because in cases of insulin shock, where the client has dangerously low blood sugar levels, administering 50% dextrose directly into the bloodstream helps rapidly increase blood glucose levels. Choice A is incorrect because diluting the dextrose in one liter of normal saline would delay the administration of glucose, which is needed urgently. Choice B is incorrect as mixing the dextrose in a piggyback solution would also delay the administration of the concentrated dextrose. Choice D is incorrect because adding dextrose to a TPN solution is not the immediate intervention needed to address the low blood sugar levels in a client experiencing insulin shock.