LPN Diabetes Care: Glucose and Insulin 4

Question 1

A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is admitted. Which laboratory finding is most characteristic of this condition?

Accepted Answer

Blood glucose > 250 mg/dL, pH < 7.3, positive serum ketones

Answer

DKA is defined by hyperglycemia (usually >250 mg/dL), metabolic acidosis (pH <7.3), and ketonemia/ketonuria; the last option describes hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS).

Question 2

When teaching a patient to perform self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), which technique should the nurse emphasize?

Accepted Answer

Use the side of the fingertip rather than the pad to reduce pain and get an adequate sample

Answer

The lateral aspect of the fingertip is less sensitive and provides a good blood sample; testing while the site is still wet with alcohol can dilute the sample and give a falsely low reading.

Question 3

A type 2 diabetic patient is prescribed metformin. Which assessment finding would require the LPN to hold the medication and notify the provider?

Accepted Answer

Serum creatinine of 2.4 mg/dL indicating significant renal impairment

Answer

Metformin is contraindicated with significant renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min) due to the risk of lactic acidosis; an elevated creatinine signals reduced renal clearance.

Question 4

Which patient statement indicates a correct understanding of the Dawn phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

'My blood sugar rises in the early morning because of hormones released during sleep, not because I ate anything.'

Answer

The Dawn phenomenon results from early-morning surges in counter-regulatory hormones (cortisol, growth hormone) that raise hepatic glucose output without prior hypoglycemia.

Question 5

An LPN is caring for a patient receiving a continuous insulin infusion. The patient becomes pale, diaphoretic, and confused. Blood glucose reads 48 mg/dL. What is the immediate priority action?

Accepted Answer

Stop the insulin infusion and notify the RN immediately

Answer

Severe symptomatic hypoglycemia in a patient on an IV insulin infusion requires immediately stopping the infusion and escalating to the RN for IV dextrose administration.

LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse Practice Test

LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse Practice Test

LPN Diabetes Care: Glucose and Insulin 4