HESI RN Exit Exam 2023 Capstone Related

Review HESI RN Exit Exam 2023 Capstone related questions and content

A client with diabetes mellitus presents with a blood sugar level of 320 mg/dL. What is the nurse's initial action?

  • A. Administer sliding scale insulin as prescribed
  • B. Encourage the client to drink fluids
  • C. Provide the client with a carbohydrate snack
  • D. Assess the client for signs of hypoglycemia
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When a client with diabetes mellitus presents with a high blood sugar level of 320 mg/dL, the nurse's initial action should be to administer sliding scale insulin as prescribed. The priority is to bring down the elevated glucose level promptly to prevent further complications. Encouraging the client to drink fluids or providing a carbohydrate snack would not effectively address the elevated blood sugar level in this scenario. Assessing for signs of hypoglycemia is not appropriate as the client's blood sugar level is high, not low.