what are the signs of hypoglycemia and how should they be managed

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor

1. What are the signs of hypoglycemia, and how should they be managed?

A. Sweating, trembling; administer glucose
B. Headache, confusion; administer insulin
C. Dizziness, fatigue; administer glucose
D. Increased heart rate; provide a high-sugar snack

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct signs of hypoglycemia are sweating and trembling. These should be managed by administering glucose to raise blood sugar levels. Headache, confusion, dizziness, fatigue, or increased heart rate are not typical signs of hypoglycemia. Administering insulin in response to hypoglycemia would further lower blood sugar levels, exacerbating the condition.

2. When providing discharge teaching to a client with diabetes, what is the most important instruction?

A. Check blood sugar levels once daily
B. Administer insulin as prescribed before meals
C. Take medication only when feeling unwell
D. Eat carbohydrate-rich meals to stabilize blood sugar

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering insulin as prescribed before meals is crucial for managing diabetes. This instruction is vital as it helps the client maintain blood sugar levels within the target range. Checking blood sugar levels once daily is important but not as critical as ensuring the timely administration of insulin. Taking medication only when feeling unwell is dangerous as it may lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Eating carbohydrate-rich meals may actually destabilize blood sugar levels rather than stabilizing them, making it an incorrect choice.

3. What are the early signs of sepsis in a patient?

A. Increased heart rate and fever
B. Low blood pressure and confusion
C. Elevated blood sugar and sweating
D. Increased urine output and abdominal pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased heart rate and fever. These are early signs of sepsis and indicate a systemic infection. It is crucial to identify these signs promptly to initiate appropriate treatment. Choice B is incorrect because low blood pressure and confusion are more indicative of severe sepsis or septic shock rather than early signs. Choice C is incorrect as elevated blood sugar and sweating are not typical early signs of sepsis. Choice D is also incorrect as increased urine output and abdominal pain are not early signs of sepsis.

4. When teaching a client with left-leg weakness how to use a cane, which instruction should the nurse include?

A. Use the cane on the weak side of the body
B. Advance the cane and the strong leg simultaneously
C. Maintain two points of support on the floor
D. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm (12-18 in) with each step

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for the client with left-leg weakness using a cane is to maintain two points of support on the floor. This ensures stability and balance while walking. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be used on the strong side of the body to provide additional support. Choice B is incorrect as the cane and the weak leg should move together for support. Choice D is incorrect as advancing the cane too far with each step may compromise balance and stability.

5. What are the key nursing interventions for a patient receiving diuretic therapy?

A. Monitor electrolyte levels and administer potassium as needed
B. Restrict fluid intake and provide a low-sodium diet
C. Encourage oral fluids and increase dietary potassium
D. Provide high-sodium foods to improve electrolyte balance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor electrolyte levels and administer potassium as needed. Patients on diuretic therapy are at risk of electrolyte imbalances, particularly low potassium levels. Monitoring electrolytes and administering potassium as needed are crucial nursing interventions to prevent imbalances. Choice B is incorrect because restricting fluid intake and providing a low-sodium diet are not typically indicated for patients on diuretic therapy. Choice C is incorrect as encouraging oral fluids and increasing dietary potassium can exacerbate electrolyte imbalances in patients on diuretics. Choice D is incorrect as providing high-sodium foods would worsen electrolyte balance issues in patients on diuretic therapy.