30: Nursing Management: Diabetes Mellitus
(including end of chapter questions)
NUR 2211 Medical Surgical Nursing Chapter
30: Nursing Management: Diabetes Mellitus
(including end of chapter questions)
When administering insulin to a client with type 1 diabetes, which of the following would be most
important for the nurse to keep in mind? - ANSWER Accuracy of the dosage
A nurse is caring for a client with type 1 diabetes who exhibits confusion, light-headedness, and aberrant
behavior. The client is conscious. The nurse should first administer: - ANSWER 15 to 20 g of a fast-acting
carbohydrate such as orange juice.
A patient who is 6 months' pregnant was evaluated for gestational diabetes mellitus. The doctor
considered prescribing insulin based on the serum glucose result of: - ANSWER 138 mg/dL, 2 hours
postprandial.
The nurse is preparing a presentation for a group of adults at a local community center about diabetes.
Which characteristic would the nurse inform the group is associated with type 2 diabetes? - ANSWER
Insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production
A health care provider prescribes short-acting insulin for a patient, instructing the patient to take the
insulin 20 to 30 minutes before a meal. The nurse explains to the patient that Humulin-R taken at 6:30
AM will reach peak effectiveness by: - ANSWER 8:30 AM.
A client with type 1 diabetes presents with a decreased level of consciousness and a fingerstick glucose
level of 39 mg/dl. His family reports that he has been skipping meals in an effort to lose weight. Which
nursing intervention is most appropriate? - ANSWER Administering 1 ampule of 50% dextrose solution,
per physician's order
A nurse knows to assess a patient with type 1 diabetes for postprandial hyperglycemia. The nurse knows
that glycosuria is present when the serum glucose level exceeds: - ANSWER 180 mg/dL
, NUR 2211 Medical Surgical Nursing Chapter
30: Nursing Management: Diabetes Mellitus
(including end of chapter questions)
A client with diabetes mellitus has a blood glucose level of 40 mg/dL. Which rapidly absorbed
carbohydrate would be most effective? - ANSWER 1/2 cup fruit juice or regular soft drink
The nurse is preparing to administer a patient's scheduled dose of Novolin 70/30. When administering
this dose of insulin, the nurse should: - ANSWER Ensure that the insulin is not given near a previous
injection site
A client receives a daily injection of glargine insulin at 7:00 a.m. When should the nurse monitor this
client for a hypoglycemic reaction? - ANSWER This insulin has no peak action and does not cause a
hypoglycemic reaction.
The nurse is administering an insulin drip to a patient in ketoacidosis. What insulin does the nurse know
is the only one that can be used intravenously? - ANSWER Regular
What is the only insulin that can be given intravenously? - ANSWER Regular
A client with diabetes mellitus is receiving an oral antidiabetic agent. The nurse observes for which
condition when caring for this client? - ANSWER Hypoglycemia
Which clinical characteristic is associated with type 1 diabetes (previously referred to as insulin-
dependent diabetes mellitus)? - ANSWER Presence of islet cell antibodies
Which statement indicates that a client with diabetes mellitus understands proper foot care? - ANSWER
"I'll wear cotton socks with well-fitting shoes."
A client with status asthmaticus requires endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Twenty-
four hours after intubation, the client is started on the insulin infusion protocol. The nurse must monitor
the client's blood glucose levels hourly and watch for which early signs and symptoms associated with
hypoglycemia? - ANSWER Sweating, tremors, and tachycardia