Nursing Leadership And Management Practice Questions Related

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A hospitalized diabetic patient received 38 U of NPH insulin at 7:00 AM. At 1:00 PM, the
patient has been away from the nursing unit for 2 hours, missing the lunch delivery while
awaiting a chest x-ray. To prevent hypoglycemia, the best action by the nurse is to

  • A. save the lunch tray for the patient’s later return to the unit
  • B. ask that diagnostic testing area staff to start a 5% dextrose IV
  • C. send a glass of milk or orange juice to the patient in the diagnostic testing area
  • D. request that if testing is further delayed, the patient be returned to the unit to eat.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. It is essential to maintain the patient's blood glucose levels to prevent hypoglycemia. Since the patient missed lunch, returning them to the unit to eat ensures timely access to food for glycemic control. This action addresses the immediate need for nutrition and glucose intake.

A: Saving the lunch tray is not immediate and does not address the patient's current hypoglycemia risk.
B: Starting a dextrose IV is an option for severe hypoglycemia, not for preventing it in this scenario.
C: Sending milk or orange juice may help raise blood sugar but does not address the need for a complete meal to prevent hypoglycemia.