Pediatric HESI Test Bank Related

Review Pediatric HESI Test Bank related questions and content

At 7 AM, a healthcare professional receives the information that an adolescent with diabetes has a 6:30 AM fasting blood glucose level of 180 mg/dL. What is the priority nursing action at this time?

  • A. Encourage the adolescent to start exercising.
  • B. Ask the adolescent to obtain an immediate glucometer reading.
  • C. Inform the adolescent that a complex carbohydrate such as cheese should be eaten.
  • D. Tell the adolescent that the prescribed dose of rapid-acting insulin should be administered.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct priority nursing action in this situation is to administer the prescribed dose of rapid-acting insulin. Rapid-acting insulin is necessary to help lower the elevated blood glucose level quickly, thereby preventing potential complications of hyperglycemia. Encouraging exercise, obtaining a glucometer reading, or suggesting consumption of complex carbohydrates like cheese may not address the immediate need to bring down the high blood glucose level effectively. Exercise could potentially raise blood glucose levels, obtaining a glucometer reading may delay necessary treatment, and consuming complex carbohydrates can further elevate blood glucose levels in this scenario.