A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) who normally takes an oral antidiabetic agent asks the nurse why insulin is necessary during this hospitalization for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation and pneumonia. Review of the medication record indicates the client is taking methylprednisolone, clindamycin, and pioglitazone. How should the nurse respond?
"Antibiotics cause significant fluctuations in blood glucose, which are controlled with insulin."
"The infection and the steroid medications you are taking can increase your blood sugar."
"You may need to take insulin when you go home since your oral agent is no longer sufficient."
"The use of insulin is easier to control your blood sugars while you are hospitalized."
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. While antibiotics can influence blood glucose, the primary reason for insulin in this context is the effect of steroids and infection on blood glucose levels.
B. Methylprednisolone, a steroid, can increase blood glucose levels, necessitating the use of insulin to manage elevated glucose levels during illness.
C. The need for insulin is related to the current hospitalization and medication effects, not necessarily a long-term change in diabetes management.
D. The ease of control is less relevant compared to the fact that steroids and infection can significantly impact blood glucose levels, necessitating insulin during hospitalization.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Administering an antianxiolytic might be premature and should only be done if prescribed and necessary.
B. Allowing the client to rest before taking vital signs helps ensure that the measurements are accurate and not influenced by recent emotional distress.
C. Notifying the client representative might be relevant later, but addressing the client's immediate needs and emotional state is the priority.
D. Offering hot tea may not be appropriate in this situation and does not directly address the need for accurate vital signs.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Pneumonia typically presents with fever, productive cough, and lung consolidation, not just wheezing and low oxygen saturation.
B. Pneumothorax usually causes sudden sharp chest pain and decreased breath sounds on the affected side, rather than wheezing and prolonged expiration.
C. Asthma is characterized by wheezing, prolonged expiration, and low oxygen saturation due to bronchoconstriction and inflammation. The client's symptoms are consistent with an asthma exacerbation.
D. Bronchitis presents with a productive cough and sometimes wheezing but does not typically cause such severe hypoxemia or a pronounced increase in respiratory rate as seen here.