Diabetes Test 5

Question 1

A nurse is creating a plan of care for a client with hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus. The following would be the top nursing diagnosis:

Accepted Answer

High risk for deficient fluid volume

Answer

Severe hyperglycemia leads to osmotic diuresis, where high glucose levels in the urine pull water from the body, resulting in significant fluid and electrolyte loss. This makes 'High risk for deficient fluid volume' a top nursing diagnosis for a client with hyperglycemia, as dehydration can rapidly become life-threatening. Addressing fluid balance is critical for patient safety.

Question 2

The blood gases of a patient show diabetic acidosis. The nurse should prepare for:

Accepted Answer

Decreased HCO3

Answer

Diabetic acidosis, specifically diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), is a metabolic acidosis. In this condition, the body produces excess acids (ketones), which consume bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the buffering process. Therefore, a key finding in arterial blood gases for diabetic acidosis is a decreased bicarbonate level.

Question 3

When first admitted for treatment of hyperglycemia, a client with DM exhibits severe anxiety. The following would be the most effective intervention to lessen the client's anxiety:

Accepted Answer

Convey empathy, trust, and respect toward the client

Answer

When a client is experiencing severe anxiety, establishing a therapeutic relationship built on empathy, trust, and respect is the most effective intervention. This approach helps the client feel safe, understood, and supported, which can significantly reduce anxiety. Providing complex medical terms or ignoring symptoms would be counterproductive and increase distress.

Question 4

A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus receives a physical evaluation from a nurse. Fasting blood glucose levels were 120 mg/dl, temperature was 101 °F, pulse rate was 88 bpm, respirations were 22 bpm, and blood pressure was 140/84 mmHg. Which finding would worry the nurse the most?

Accepted Answer

Temperature

Answer

A temperature of 101°F (38.3°C) indicates a fever, which is a significant concern for a patient with diabetes. Infections can rapidly lead to hyperglycemia and potentially trigger serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS). The fever points to an acute issue requiring immediate attention and investigation.

Question 5

The insulin that would be given to a patient who has diabetic ketoacidosis is:

Accepted Answer

Human regular insulin

Answer

Human regular insulin is the only type of insulin that can be administered intravenously. In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), rapid and precise insulin delivery is crucial to lower blood glucose and reverse acidosis. Intravenous regular insulin allows for immediate action and continuous titration based on the patient's response, making it the preferred choice.

Diabetes Practice Test

Diabetes Practice Test

Diabetes Test 5