NUR172 – Skyler Hansen (Age 18, Diabetes) VSim
Exam Questions PRACTICE QUESTIONS PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 |INSTANT DOWNOAD PDF
1. What is the primary pathophysiology in type 1 diabetes?
A. Insulin resistance in cells
B. Autoimmune destruction of beta cells *
C. Excess glucagon secretion
D. Decreased glucose absorption in intestines
Rationale: In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys
pancreatic beta cells, leading to absolute insulin deficiency.
2. Which laboratory test is used to monitor long-term glucose
control?
A. Fasting blood glucose
B. Oral glucose tolerance test
C. Hemoglobin A1C *
D. Random plasma glucose
Rationale: Hemoglobin A1C reflects average blood glucose
levels over 2–3 months.
3. Skyler’s blood glucose is 320 mg/dL. What is the priority
nursing action?
A. Administer a meal
B. Administer insulin as prescribed *
C. Encourage exercise
D. Provide oral glucose
,Rationale: Hyperglycemia above normal requires prompt insulin
administration to prevent complications such as DKA.
4. Which symptom is most characteristic of hyperglycemia?
A. Shakiness
B. Diaphoresis
C. Polyuria *
D. Tachycardia
Rationale: High blood glucose causes osmotic diuresis, leading
to frequent urination.
5. What is a common early sign of diabetic ketoacidosis
(DKA)?
A. Bradycardia
B. Kussmaul respirations *
C. Hypotension
D. Weight gain
Rationale: DKA leads to metabolic acidosis, causing rapid, deep
breathing (Kussmaul respirations) to compensate.
6. When teaching Skyler about carbohydrate counting, which
statement indicates understanding?
A. "I can eat unlimited sugar as long as I take insulin."
B. "I need to match insulin dose with carbohydrate intake." *
C. "I should avoid all carbohydrates."
D. "Protein intake does not affect blood sugar."
Rationale: Carbohydrate counting helps match insulin with the
amount of carbs consumed, optimizing glycemic control.
, 7. Which medication is commonly used for type 1 diabetes
management?
A. Metformin
B. Insulin *
C. Glipizide
D. Pioglitazone
Rationale: Type 1 diabetes requires exogenous insulin because
the pancreas cannot produce it.
8. Skyler reports feeling shaky, sweaty, and anxious. Which is
the priority intervention?
A. Check blood glucose *
B. Administer insulin
C. Call the physician
D. Encourage exercise
Rationale: These are signs of hypoglycemia; confirm with a
glucose check before treatment.
9. Which is an appropriate treatment for mild hypoglycemia?
A. 4 oz juice *
B. Insulin injection
C. High-fat snack
D. Protein supplement
Rationale: Rapid-acting carbohydrate quickly raises blood
glucose levels in mild hypoglycemia.
10. What is the recommended foot care for a patient with
diabetes?
A. Walk barefoot to toughen the skin
Exam Questions PRACTICE QUESTIONS PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 |INSTANT DOWNOAD PDF
1. What is the primary pathophysiology in type 1 diabetes?
A. Insulin resistance in cells
B. Autoimmune destruction of beta cells *
C. Excess glucagon secretion
D. Decreased glucose absorption in intestines
Rationale: In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys
pancreatic beta cells, leading to absolute insulin deficiency.
2. Which laboratory test is used to monitor long-term glucose
control?
A. Fasting blood glucose
B. Oral glucose tolerance test
C. Hemoglobin A1C *
D. Random plasma glucose
Rationale: Hemoglobin A1C reflects average blood glucose
levels over 2–3 months.
3. Skyler’s blood glucose is 320 mg/dL. What is the priority
nursing action?
A. Administer a meal
B. Administer insulin as prescribed *
C. Encourage exercise
D. Provide oral glucose
,Rationale: Hyperglycemia above normal requires prompt insulin
administration to prevent complications such as DKA.
4. Which symptom is most characteristic of hyperglycemia?
A. Shakiness
B. Diaphoresis
C. Polyuria *
D. Tachycardia
Rationale: High blood glucose causes osmotic diuresis, leading
to frequent urination.
5. What is a common early sign of diabetic ketoacidosis
(DKA)?
A. Bradycardia
B. Kussmaul respirations *
C. Hypotension
D. Weight gain
Rationale: DKA leads to metabolic acidosis, causing rapid, deep
breathing (Kussmaul respirations) to compensate.
6. When teaching Skyler about carbohydrate counting, which
statement indicates understanding?
A. "I can eat unlimited sugar as long as I take insulin."
B. "I need to match insulin dose with carbohydrate intake." *
C. "I should avoid all carbohydrates."
D. "Protein intake does not affect blood sugar."
Rationale: Carbohydrate counting helps match insulin with the
amount of carbs consumed, optimizing glycemic control.
, 7. Which medication is commonly used for type 1 diabetes
management?
A. Metformin
B. Insulin *
C. Glipizide
D. Pioglitazone
Rationale: Type 1 diabetes requires exogenous insulin because
the pancreas cannot produce it.
8. Skyler reports feeling shaky, sweaty, and anxious. Which is
the priority intervention?
A. Check blood glucose *
B. Administer insulin
C. Call the physician
D. Encourage exercise
Rationale: These are signs of hypoglycemia; confirm with a
glucose check before treatment.
9. Which is an appropriate treatment for mild hypoglycemia?
A. 4 oz juice *
B. Insulin injection
C. High-fat snack
D. Protein supplement
Rationale: Rapid-acting carbohydrate quickly raises blood
glucose levels in mild hypoglycemia.
10. What is the recommended foot care for a patient with
diabetes?
A. Walk barefoot to toughen the skin
