Nokea
A nurse is assessing a patient who has diabetes for the presence of peripheral neuropathy. The nurse should question the patient about what sign or symptom that would suggest the possible development of peripheral neuropathy?
- A. Persistently cold feet
- B. Pain that does not respond to analgesia
- C. Acute pain, unrelieved by rest
- D. The presence of a tingling sensation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Although approximately half of patients with diabetic neuropathy do not have symptoms, initial symptoms may include paresthesias (prickling, tingling, or heightened sensation) and burning sensations (especially at night). Cold and intense pain are atypical early signs of this complication.
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A patient presents to the clinic complaining of symptoms that suggest diabetes. What criteria would support checking blood levels for the diagnosis of diabetes?
- A. Fasting plasma glucose greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL
- B. Random plasma glucose greater than 150 mg/dL
- C. Fasting plasma glucose greater than 116 mg/dL on 2 separate occasions
- D. Random plasma glucose greater than 126 mg/dL
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes include symptoms of diabetes plus random plasma glucose greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL, or a fasting plasma glucose greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL.
A patient with type 2 diabetes has been managing his blood glucose levels using diet and metformin (Glucophage). Following an ordered increase in the patients daily dose of metformin, the nurse should prioritize which of the following assessments?
- A. Monitoring the patients neutrophil levels
- B. Assessing the patient for signs of impaired liver function
- C. Monitoring the patients level of consciousness and behavior
- D. Reviewing the patients creatinine and BUN levels
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Metformin has the potential to be nephrotoxic; consequently, the nurse should monitor the patients renal function. This drug does not typically affect patients neutrophils, liver function, or cognition.
The nurse is discussing macrovascular complications of diabetes with a patient. The nurse would address what topic during this dialogue?
- A. The need for frequent eye examinations for patients with diabetes
- B. The fact that patients with diabetes have an elevated risk of myocardial infarction
- C. The relationship between kidney function and blood glucose levels
- D. The need to monitor urine for the presence of albumin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Myocardial infarction and stroke are considered macrovascular complications of diabetes, while the effects on vision and renal function are considered to be microvascular.
An older adult patient with type 2 diabetes is brought to the emergency department by his daughter. The patient is found to have a blood glucose level of 623 mg/dL. The patients daughter reports that the patient recently had a gastrointestinal virus and has been confused for the last 3 hours. The diagnosis of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) is made. What nursing action would be a priority?
- A. Administration of antihypertensive medications
- B. Administering sodium bicarbonate intravenously
- C. Reversing acidosis by administering insulin
- D. Fluid and electrolyte replacement
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The overall approach to HHS includes fluid replacement, correction of electrolyte imbalances, and insulin administration. Antihypertensive medications are not indicated, as hypotension generally accompanies HHS due to dehydration. Sodium bicarbonate is not administered to patients with HHS, as their plasma bicarbonate level is usually normal. Insulin administration plays a less important role in the treatment of HHS because it is not needed for reversal of acidosis, as in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
A nurse is caring for a patient newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The nurse is educating the patient about self-administration of insulin in the home setting. The nurse should teach the patient to do which of the following?
- A. Avoid using the same injection site more than once in 2 to 3 weeks.
- B. Avoid mixing more than one type of insulin in a syringe.
- C. Cleanse the injection site thoroughly with alcohol prior to injecting.
- D. Inject at a 45 angle.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To prevent lipodystrophy, the patient should try not to use the same site more than once in 2 to 3 weeks. Mixing different types of insulin in a syringe is acceptable, within specific guidelines, and the needle is usually inserted at a 90 angle. Cleansing the injection site with alcohol is optional.