The nurse obtains a fingerstick blood glucose reading of 48 mg/dL for the client with type 1 DM. The client is to receive 6 units of regular and 10 units of NPH insulin now. Which is the nurse's best immediate intervention?
- A. Administer the insulin that is due now.
- B. Call the lab for a STAT serum glucose level.
- C. Have the client choose foods for a meal now.
- D. Provide juice with 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypoglycemia is treated with 15 to 20 g of a simple (fast-acting) carbohydrate, such as 4 to 6 oz of fruit juice or 8 oz of low-fat milk.
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Which question should the nurse ask when assessing the client for an endocrine dysfunction?
- A. Have you noticed any pain in your legs when walking?
- B. Have you had any unexplained weight loss?
- C. Have you noticed any change in your bowel movements?
- D. Have you experienced any joint pain or discomfort?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Unexplained weight loss is a hallmark symptom of endocrine disorders like hyperthyroidism or diabetes mellitus, making it a key assessment question. Leg pain relates to vascular issues, bowel changes are less specific, and joint pain is more musculoskeletal.
Which laboratory value should be monitored by the nurse for the client diagnosed with diabetes insipidus?
- A. Serum sodium.
- B. Serum calcium.
- C. Urine glucose.
- D. Urine white blood cells.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diabetes insipidus causes dilute urine, risking hypernatremia; serum sodium monitoring is critical. Calcium, urine glucose, and WBCs are unrelated.
Which medication order should the nurse question in the client diagnosed with untreated hypothyroidism?
- A. Thyroid hormones.
- B. Oxygen.
- C. Sedatives.
- D. Laxatives.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sedatives risk respiratory depression in untreated hypothyroidism due to slowed metabolism. Thyroid hormones, oxygen, and laxatives are appropriate.
Which nursing care measure is essential because a client has exophthalmos?
- A. Administer artificial tears.
- B. Encourage the client to wear her glasses.
- C. Promote bed rest.
- D. Monitor her pulse rate every four hours.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Exophthalmos (bulging eyes) in hyperthyroidism causes dry eyes, requiring artificial tears to prevent corneal damage.
Which I.V. medication can the nurse expect the physician to order to treat the client's condition?
- A. Calcium gluconate
- B. Ferrous sulfate
- C. Potassium chloride
- D. Sodium bicarbonate
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Calcium gluconate is used to treat tetany caused by hypocalcemia in hypoparathyroidism.