A nurse finds a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus lying in bed, sweating, tachycardic, and reporting feeling lightheaded and shaky. Which of the following complications should the nurse suspect?
Hyperglycemia
Ketoacidosis
Nephropathy
Hypoglycemia
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Hyperglycemia typically presents with polyuria, thirst, and blurred vision, rather than sweating and shakiness.
B. Diabetic ketoacidosis presents with symptoms like deep breathing (Kussmaul respirations), fruity breath, and confusion, not sweating and tachycardia.
C. Nephropathy does not cause these acute symptoms; it is a long-term complication involving kidney damage.
D. Hypoglycemia presents with symptoms such as sweating, tachycardia, shakiness, and lightheadedness, which match the client's presentation.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Dorsal recumbent is not an ideal position after a thyroidectomy due to the risk of airway obstruction.
B. Supine position does not provide optimal airway protection post-surgery.
C. Sims' position is not recommended for clients recovering from a thyroidectomy as it could affect breathing and circulation.
D. Fowler’s position (head of the bed elevated 45 to 90 degrees) is the best position post-thyroidectomy to reduce tension on the suture line and to facilitate breathing by decreasing swelling around the surgical site.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Drinking fluids is important to prevent dehydration, but it is not the priority over monitoring blood glucose levels.
B. Consuming carbohydrates is necessary to prevent hypoglycemia, but this is not the primary concern during illness.
C. Monitoring blood glucose levels every 4 hours is the priority action because blood glucose can fluctuate significantly during illness, increasing the risk of hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis.
D. Taking the usual insulin dosage is essential, but it should be based on frequent glucose monitoring to adjust for illness-related changes in insulin requirements.