A school nurse is assessing an adolescent who reports feeling shaky and is having difficulty speaking and concentrating on the Questions the nurse is asking. The nurse checks the adolescent’s blood glucose level and identifies a value of 55 mg/dL. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Polyuria.
Dry, flushed skin.
Deep, rapid respirations.
Tachycardia.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Polyuria, or excessive urination, is typically associated with hyperglycemia rather than hypoglycemia. In the context of diabetes, polyuria occurs when high blood glucose levels lead to increased urine production as the body attempts to excrete excess glucose. Since the adolescent’s blood glucose level is 55 mg/dL, which indicates hypoglycemia, polyuria is not an expected finding.
Choice B rationale
Dry, flushed skin is a common symptom of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. When blood glucose levels are high, the body becomes dehydrated, leading to dry skin and a flushed appearance. In contrast, hypoglycemia often presents with symptoms such as sweating, pallor, and shakiness due to the body’s response to low blood glucose levels.
Choice C rationale
Deep, rapid respirations, also known as Kussmaul respirations, are typically associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of hyperglycemia. DKA occurs when the body produces high levels of ketones due to insufficient insulin. Since the adolescent’s blood glucose level is 55 mg/dL, which indicates hypoglycemia, deep, rapid respirations are not an expected finding.
Choice D rationale
Tachycardia, or an increased heart rate, is a common symptom of hypoglycemia. When blood glucose levels drop, the body releases catecholamines (such as adrenaline) to raise blood glucose levels. This response leads to symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, and tachycardia. Therefore, tachycardia is an expected finding in an adolescent with a blood glucose level of 55 mg/dL.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Obtaining an influenza vaccine annually is crucial for individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of complications from infections, including influenza. The flu can lead to elevated blood sugar levels and potentially worsen diabetes control.
Therefore, getting the flu vaccine can help prevent or reduce the severity of the flu and its complications.
Choice B rationale
Administering glucagon is used for severe hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia. Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose. It is typically used in emergency situations when a person with diabetes has very low blood sugar and is unable to consume sugar orally.
Choice C rationale
Insulin should be injected into subcutaneous tissue, not the deltoid muscle. The preferred injection sites for insulin are areas with more subcutaneous fat, such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and upper arms. Injecting insulin into muscle tissue can lead to faster absorption and unpredictable blood glucose levels.
Choice D rationale
Glyburide is an oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, not type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes requires insulin therapy because the body does not produce insulin. Glyburide works by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin, which is not effective for individuals with type 1 diabetes who have little to no insulin production.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The conjunctivae, the mucous membranes that cover the front of the eye and line the inside of the eyelids, can show signs of cyanosis. However, they are not the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis. Central cyanosis is best observed in areas with a rich blood supply and thin skin, where the bluish discoloration due to low oxygen levels in the blood is more apparent.
Choice B rationale
The soles of the feet are not a reliable indicator of central cyanosis. Peripheral cyanosis, which affects the extremities, can occur due to poor circulation or cold temperatures and does not necessarily indicate central cyanosis. Central cyanosis is more accurately assessed in areas with a high concentration of blood vessels and thin skin.
Choice C rationale
The oral mucosa, including the lips and tongue, is the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis. This area has a rich blood supply and thin skin, making it easier to observe the bluish discoloration caused by low oxygen levels in the blood. Central cyanosis is a sign of significant hypoxemia and requires prompt medical attention.
Choice D rationale
The ear lobes are not the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis. While they can show signs of cyanosis, they are not as accurate as the oral mucosa. The ear lobes may be affected by peripheral cyanosis, which can occur due to factors like cold temperatures or poor circulation, rather than central cyanosis.