Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Disorders of the Endocrine System Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Disorders of the Endocrine System related questions and content

A client with Addison disease has a blood glucose level above 80 mg/dL 30 minutes after receiving 15 g of carbohydrates for symptoms of hypoglycemia. Which action would the nurse take next?

  • A. Inform the physician immediately.
  • B. Give the client milk and graham crackers.
  • C. Instruct the client to remain in bed.
  • D. Check the client's blood glucose level before each meal.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Milk and graham crackers contain forms of carbohydrates that take longer to absorb and tend to maintain the blood glucose level for an extended period. The physician should be informed if the client continues to be symptomatic and the blood glucose level is below 80 mg/dL. Maintaining bed rest protects the client from injuries from a fall but does not address the blood glucose issue. Assessing the client's blood glucose level provides a numeric assessment of the blood glucose level and would be performed in an ongoing fashion.