1
HESI Case Studies - Diabetes/ Exam Questions with
Correct Detailed Answers/ Latest Update 2024.
To restore Lara's blood glucose to a normal level, what should the nurse prepare to administer? - ANS -
An IV infusion containing regular insulin.
[Continuous IV infusions containing regular insulin are used to reduce the client's BG level. Laura's IV
solution will be changed to one that contains glucose when her BG reaches 250 mg/dL]
In addition to monitoring Lara's blood glucose level, what additional lab values should the nurse monitor
carefully? - ANS - -Hemoglobin
-Calcium
-Potassium
-Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
[...Hgb levels may be altered depending on the state of hydration.
...Calcium is an important regulatory ion
...IV insulin treatment will allow glucose to enter the cells, taking potassium with it, causing a decreased
serum potassium concentration.
...Dehydration from DKA can lead to an increased BUN. Renal values should be monitored for renal
insufficieny]
The nurse's decision about what to tell these callers should be based on what primary consideration? -
ANS - Lara's right to privacy regarding her health information.
[Clients have the right to privacy regarding their health information. They must give permission for the
release of their health information.]
, 2
What is the best response by the nurse? - ANS - "I'll leave you alone for now, but I will stop back by in 30
minutes."
[This response respects Laura's request to be alone, while still offering support and physical presence.]
Which statement made by Lara indicates that she correctly understands self-administration of insulin? -
ANS - "The amount of short-acting insulin I take every day is based on my blood sugar readings."
[Sliding-scale refers to basing insulin doses on BG readings.]
Which action should the nurse implement? - ANS - Encourage Lara to inject the insulin with the needle
in place, as inserted.
[Laura has demonstrated all steps correctly. The needle does not need to be changed/moved. She is
ready to inject.]
What is the priority nursing action? - ANS - Check Lara's blood glucose.
[Shakiness and sweatiness are signs of hypoglycemia. Check BG. If low, give a snack of milk/graham
crackers.]
Which response is best for the charge nurse to provide? - ANS - "The lab values can be copied as long as
there is no identifying client data."
[Information used for educational purposes may be used so long as the data does not permit
identification of the client.]
What is the mechanism that results in Kussmaul respirations? - ANS - To compensate for metabolic
acidosis, the respirations are deep and rapid.
[To compensate for ketoacidosis/metabolic acidosis, the lungs attempt to remove CO2 through a pattern
of deep, rapid respirations; Kussmaul Respirations.]
To achieve the goal of restoring Lara's fluid volume, the nurse would expect to implement which
intervention? - ANS - Maintain an infusion of normal saline solution.
[The treatment of hyperglycemia includes fluid replacement to correct dehydration caused by the
increased concentration of glucose in the blood. Isotonic solution, like normal saline, is initially used to
treat the dehydration.]
HESI Case Studies - Diabetes/ Exam Questions with
Correct Detailed Answers/ Latest Update 2024.
To restore Lara's blood glucose to a normal level, what should the nurse prepare to administer? - ANS -
An IV infusion containing regular insulin.
[Continuous IV infusions containing regular insulin are used to reduce the client's BG level. Laura's IV
solution will be changed to one that contains glucose when her BG reaches 250 mg/dL]
In addition to monitoring Lara's blood glucose level, what additional lab values should the nurse monitor
carefully? - ANS - -Hemoglobin
-Calcium
-Potassium
-Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
[...Hgb levels may be altered depending on the state of hydration.
...Calcium is an important regulatory ion
...IV insulin treatment will allow glucose to enter the cells, taking potassium with it, causing a decreased
serum potassium concentration.
...Dehydration from DKA can lead to an increased BUN. Renal values should be monitored for renal
insufficieny]
The nurse's decision about what to tell these callers should be based on what primary consideration? -
ANS - Lara's right to privacy regarding her health information.
[Clients have the right to privacy regarding their health information. They must give permission for the
release of their health information.]
, 2
What is the best response by the nurse? - ANS - "I'll leave you alone for now, but I will stop back by in 30
minutes."
[This response respects Laura's request to be alone, while still offering support and physical presence.]
Which statement made by Lara indicates that she correctly understands self-administration of insulin? -
ANS - "The amount of short-acting insulin I take every day is based on my blood sugar readings."
[Sliding-scale refers to basing insulin doses on BG readings.]
Which action should the nurse implement? - ANS - Encourage Lara to inject the insulin with the needle
in place, as inserted.
[Laura has demonstrated all steps correctly. The needle does not need to be changed/moved. She is
ready to inject.]
What is the priority nursing action? - ANS - Check Lara's blood glucose.
[Shakiness and sweatiness are signs of hypoglycemia. Check BG. If low, give a snack of milk/graham
crackers.]
Which response is best for the charge nurse to provide? - ANS - "The lab values can be copied as long as
there is no identifying client data."
[Information used for educational purposes may be used so long as the data does not permit
identification of the client.]
What is the mechanism that results in Kussmaul respirations? - ANS - To compensate for metabolic
acidosis, the respirations are deep and rapid.
[To compensate for ketoacidosis/metabolic acidosis, the lungs attempt to remove CO2 through a pattern
of deep, rapid respirations; Kussmaul Respirations.]
To achieve the goal of restoring Lara's fluid volume, the nurse would expect to implement which
intervention? - ANS - Maintain an infusion of normal saline solution.
[The treatment of hyperglycemia includes fluid replacement to correct dehydration caused by the
increased concentration of glucose in the blood. Isotonic solution, like normal saline, is initially used to
treat the dehydration.]
