The healthcare provider suspects the Somogyi effect in a 50-year-old patient whose 6:00 AM blood glucose is 230 mg/dL. Which action will the nurse teach the patient to take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Check the blood glucose during the night. The Somogyi effect is rebound hyperglycemia that occurs in response to hypoglycemia during the night. By checking blood glucose levels during the night, the patient can identify if they are experiencing nighttime hypoglycemia leading to rebound hyperglycemia in the morning. This will help determine the need for adjusting insulin doses or carbohydrate intake.
Why the other choices are incorrect:
A: Avoid snacking at bedtime - does not address the underlying issue of nighttime hypoglycemia.
B: Increase the rapid-acting insulin dose - could potentially worsen the Somogyi effect by causing further hypoglycemia.
D: Administer a larger dose of long-acting insulin - also does not address the issue of nighttime hypoglycemia and may lead to further fluctuations in blood glucose levels.