44 Diabetes
The client has been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus type 1. He asks the nurse what this means.
What is the best response by the nurse?
Select all that apply:
1. The exocrine function of your pancreas is to secrete insulin and it is not working.
2. Without insulin you will develop ketoacidosis (DKA)."
3. "The endocrine function of your pancreas is to secrete insulin, but it isn't working."
4. Your alpha cells should be able to secrete insulin, but it isn't working.
5. "It means your pancreas cannot secrete insulin." - CORRECT ANSWER-2.Without insulin you
will develop ketoacidosis (DKA)."
3"The endocrine function of your pancreas is to secrete insulin, but it isn't working."
5"It means your pancreas cannot secrete insulin."
The physician orders insulin lispro (Humalog), 10 units for the client. When will the nurse
administer this medication?
1. Thirty minutes before meals
2. Five minutes before a meal
3. When meal trays arrive on the floor
4. Fifteen minutes after meals - CORRECT ANSWER-2. Five minutes before a meal
The onset of action for insulin lispro Humalog is 10 to 15 minutes so it must be given when the
client is eating
, The physician writes orders for the client with diabetes mellitus. Which order would the nurse
validate with the physician?
1. Lantus insulin 20U BID
2. Administering regular insulin 30 min prior to meals
3. 5 units of Humalog/10 units NPH daily
4. Metformin (Glucophage) 1000 mg per day in divided doses - CORRECT ANSWER-1. Lantus
insulin 20U BID
Lantus insulin is usually prescribed in once-a-day dosing so an order for BID dosing should be
validated with the physician.
A client with diabetes mellitus type 1 is found unresponsive in the clinical setting. Which nursing
action is a priority?
1. Call a code.
2. Treat the client for hypoglycemia.
3. Call the physician STAT
4. Assess the client's vital signs - CORRECT ANSWER-1. Treat the client for hypoglycemia.
When a client with diabetes mellitus type 1 is found unresponsive, the nurse should focus on
and treat for hypoglycemia, as this is more likely than hyperglycemia.
The nurse makes a home visit to a client with diabetes mellitus. During the visit, the nurse notes
that the client's 3-month supply of insulin vials that were delivered a week ago are not
refrigerated. What is the best action by the nurse at this time?
1. Have the client place the insulin vials in the refrigerator.
2. Have the client discard the vial
3. Instruct the patient to label each vial with the date when opened.
4. Tell the client this is too much insulin to have on hand. - CORRECT ANSWER-1. Have the client
place the insulin vials in the refrigerator.