what are the early signs of hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient

ATI LPN

ATI Comprehensive Predictor PN

1. What are the early signs of hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient?

A. Sweating and trembling
B. Confusion and irritability
C. Dizziness and increased heart rate
D. Nausea and vomiting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Sweating and trembling.' These are classic early signs of hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient. Sweating occurs due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system in response to low blood sugar levels, while trembling is a result of the body's attempt to increase muscle activity to raise blood sugar levels. Confusion and irritability (Choice B) are more advanced signs of hypoglycemia that occur if the condition is not treated promptly. Dizziness and increased heart rate (Choice C) can also occur but are not as specific and early as sweating and trembling. Nausea and vomiting (Choice D) are more commonly associated with other conditions or severe hypoglycemia, rather than being early signs.

2. A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is concerned about weight gain during pregnancy. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. You should not gain more than 10 lbs
B. Your weight gain should be the same as for someone without diabetes
C. Avoid gaining more than 15 lbs
D. You should gain more weight because of your condition

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Clients with type 2 diabetes should aim for the same pregnancy weight gain as those without diabetes. Option A is too restrictive and may not be appropriate for a healthy pregnancy. Option C also imposes a specific limit without considering individual needs. Option D is incorrect as excessive weight gain can lead to complications in pregnancy, especially for individuals with diabetes.

3. What is the priority in managing a client diagnosed with delirium?

A. Administer anti-anxiety medication
B. Identify any underlying causes of delirium
C. Reduce environmental stimulation to calm the client
D. Encourage deep breathing exercises

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority in managing a client diagnosed with delirium is to identify any underlying causes. Delirium can be caused by various factors such as infections, medications, or metabolic imbalances. By determining the root cause, healthcare providers can address the issue effectively and tailor the treatment plan accordingly. Administering anti-anxiety medication (Choice A) may help manage symptoms but does not address the underlying cause of delirium. Similarly, reducing environmental stimulation (Choice C) and encouraging deep breathing exercises (Choice D) may provide some relief, but they do not target the primary concern of identifying and addressing the underlying causes of delirium.

4. How should a healthcare provider respond to a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism?

A. Administer oxygen and call for emergency assistance
B. Position the patient in a prone position and give fluids
C. Administer anticoagulants and elevate the patient's legs
D. Administer thrombolytics and perform chest physiotherapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen and calling for emergency assistance are the immediate priorities when managing a suspected pulmonary embolism. Oxygen helps support the patient's respiratory function, while emergency assistance is crucial for further evaluation and treatment. Positioning the patient in a prone position or giving fluids can worsen the condition by impeding blood flow. Administering anticoagulants may be part of the treatment plan but is not the initial response. Thrombolytics and chest physiotherapy are not first-line treatments for suspected pulmonary embolism and can even be harmful without prior evaluation.

5. What is the first step in preparing a blood transfusion?

A. Administer the blood via IV push
B. Verify the client's blood type before starting the transfusion
C. Warm the blood to body temperature before administration
D. Administer diuretics to prevent fluid overload

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first step in preparing a blood transfusion is to verify the client's blood type before starting the transfusion. This step is crucial to ensure compatibility and prevent adverse reactions. Administering the blood via IV push (Choice A) is incorrect as it skips the essential step of verifying the blood type. Warming the blood to body temperature (Choice C) is important but comes after verifying the blood type. Administering diuretics (Choice D) is not part of the preparation process for a blood transfusion.