Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition - Care of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Related

Review Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition - Care of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus related questions and content

A nurse is teaching a client with diabetes mellitus who asks, 'Why is it necessary to maintain my blood glucose levels no lower than about 60 mg/dL?' How should the nurse respond?

  • A. Glucose is the only fuel used by the body to produce the energy that it needs.
  • B. Your brain needs a constant supply of glucose because it cannot store it.
  • C. Without a minimum level of glucose, your body does not make red blood cells.
  • D. Glucose in the blood prevents the formation of lactic acid and prevents acidosis.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Because the brain cannot synthesize or store significant amounts of glucose, a continuous supply from the body's circulation is needed to meet the fuel demands of the central nervous system. The nurse should educate the client to prevent hypoglycemia. The body can use other sources of fuel, including fat and protein, and glucose is not directly involved in the production of red blood cells. Glucose in the blood does not directly prevent lactic acid formation.