Nursing Care: Complex Glucose Alterations – High-Yield
Exam Questions with Answers (DKA vs HHS,
Hyperglycemic Emergencies, Fluid Resuscitation &
Nursing Management)Latest Updated 2026
The nurse is caring for a client brought to the emergency department 30 minutes ago by
paramedics after being found unresponsive on the sidewalk. There is no medical history or
identification available. Based on the initial laboratory results, the nurse identifies that this
client is experiencing which condition?
diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
A nurse is admitting a client with suspected hyperosmolar hyperglycemia syndrome (HHS).
When reviewing the client's health history, which is a contributing factor to the development of
HHS? Select all that apply.
*recovering from influenza
*age 77 years old
*prescribed a daily calcium channel blocker
*recent myocardial infarction (MI)
The nurse is caring for two clients experiencing a hyperglycemic emergency. For the client with
hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS), which action should the nurse anticipate taking
while it will not be required for the other client experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
aggressive fluid replacement to correct dehydration
Select only one answer from each drop-down list.
Claire
1. profound diuresis
2. non-compliance with treatment
Cecily
1. diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
2. does not produce
During a hyperglycemic emergency, Claire's and Cecily's laboratory results will differ. Match the
expected values to the sister who is most likely to have that result.
Select only one answer from each drop-down list.
, Claire
1. greater than 600 mg/dL
2. greater than 30 mg/dL
3. greater than 1.5 mg/dL
4. absent
5. absence of acidosis
Cecily
1. 300-800 mg/dL
2. greater than 30 mg/dL
3. greater than 1.5 mg/dL
4. present
5. metabolic acidosis
Which prescribed order should be facilitated within 30 minutes, 1 hour, or inquired with the
provider? Each health care provider order is associated with only one answer.
Within 30 minutes
*intravenous (IV) 0.9% saline at 200 ml/hour
*capillary blood glucose every 15 minutes for 2 hours
*comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
Within 1 hour
*hourly serum blood glucose for 4 hours
*strict intake and output
*1800 calorie American Diabetes Association (ADA) diet as tolerated
Question the order
*regular insulin infusion at 10 units per hour
*oxygen 2 L per nasal cannula
Claire is resting comfortably in the intensive care unit (ICU) and asks the nurse when she may be
transferred to a medical-surgical unit where her school-aged children can visit. After reviewing
the most recent laboratory test results, what is the nurse's best reply?
"Your potassium and glucose levels have both decreased this past hour, but the values are not
where they need to be for you to leave the ICU."
Claire is being discharged home after recovering from hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome
(HHS). Which statement by the patient requires patient re-education about this condition?
Exam Questions with Answers (DKA vs HHS,
Hyperglycemic Emergencies, Fluid Resuscitation &
Nursing Management)Latest Updated 2026
The nurse is caring for a client brought to the emergency department 30 minutes ago by
paramedics after being found unresponsive on the sidewalk. There is no medical history or
identification available. Based on the initial laboratory results, the nurse identifies that this
client is experiencing which condition?
diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
A nurse is admitting a client with suspected hyperosmolar hyperglycemia syndrome (HHS).
When reviewing the client's health history, which is a contributing factor to the development of
HHS? Select all that apply.
*recovering from influenza
*age 77 years old
*prescribed a daily calcium channel blocker
*recent myocardial infarction (MI)
The nurse is caring for two clients experiencing a hyperglycemic emergency. For the client with
hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS), which action should the nurse anticipate taking
while it will not be required for the other client experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
aggressive fluid replacement to correct dehydration
Select only one answer from each drop-down list.
Claire
1. profound diuresis
2. non-compliance with treatment
Cecily
1. diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
2. does not produce
During a hyperglycemic emergency, Claire's and Cecily's laboratory results will differ. Match the
expected values to the sister who is most likely to have that result.
Select only one answer from each drop-down list.
, Claire
1. greater than 600 mg/dL
2. greater than 30 mg/dL
3. greater than 1.5 mg/dL
4. absent
5. absence of acidosis
Cecily
1. 300-800 mg/dL
2. greater than 30 mg/dL
3. greater than 1.5 mg/dL
4. present
5. metabolic acidosis
Which prescribed order should be facilitated within 30 minutes, 1 hour, or inquired with the
provider? Each health care provider order is associated with only one answer.
Within 30 minutes
*intravenous (IV) 0.9% saline at 200 ml/hour
*capillary blood glucose every 15 minutes for 2 hours
*comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
Within 1 hour
*hourly serum blood glucose for 4 hours
*strict intake and output
*1800 calorie American Diabetes Association (ADA) diet as tolerated
Question the order
*regular insulin infusion at 10 units per hour
*oxygen 2 L per nasal cannula
Claire is resting comfortably in the intensive care unit (ICU) and asks the nurse when she may be
transferred to a medical-surgical unit where her school-aged children can visit. After reviewing
the most recent laboratory test results, what is the nurse's best reply?
"Your potassium and glucose levels have both decreased this past hour, but the values are not
where they need to be for you to leave the ICU."
Claire is being discharged home after recovering from hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome
(HHS). Which statement by the patient requires patient re-education about this condition?
