Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
The nurse is teaching an adult patient with Type 1 diabetes that a primary cause of the development of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is:
A. Omitted meals
Omitted meals can lead to hypoglycemia, not diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is caused by a lack of insulin, not a lack of food intake.
B. Polydipsia and polyphagia
Polydipsia and polyphagia are symptoms of hyperglycemia, not causes of DKA. They occur as the body tries to compensate for high blood sugar levels.
C. Not taking enough insulin
Not taking enough insulin is a primary cause of the development of DKA. Without enough insulin, the body begins to break down fat for fuel, which produces acids known as ketones.
D. An insulin overdose
An insulin overdose would lead to hypoglycemia, not DKA. DKA is caused by a lack of insulin, not an excess.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Ati Med Surg Nurs 200 Proctored Exam Roxoborouh Memorial College. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale
Omitted meals can lead to hypoglycemia, not diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is caused by a lack of insulin, not a lack of food intake.
Choice B rationale
Polydipsia and polyphagia are symptoms of hyperglycemia, not causes of DKA. They occur as the body tries to compensate for high blood sugar levels.
Choice C rationale
Not taking enough insulin is a primary cause of the development of DKA. Without enough insulin, the body begins to break down fat for fuel, which produces acids known as ketones.
Choice D rationale
An insulin overdose would lead to hypoglycemia, not DKA. DKA is caused by a lack of insulin, not an excess.
Similar Questions
The nurse explains to a patient diagnosed with diabetes mellitus that the major benefit of frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose is that:
A. Fewer doses of insulin may be required
Fewer doses of insulin may not necessarily be required with frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose. The need for insulin is determined by blood glucose levels, not the frequency of monitoring.
B. It assists in gaining control over glucose levels
Frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose assists in gaining control over glucose levels. It can immediately tell you the effects of food choices, physical activity, and medication on blood glucose control.
C. Other health problems will be minimized
While good blood glucose control can help minimize other health problems, frequent self- monitoring of blood glucose does not directly minimize other health problems.
D. It is the most cost-efficient method for glucose control .
Frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose is not necessarily the most cost-efficient method for glucose control. The cost efficiency depends on various factors, including the cost of testing supplies and the frequency of testing.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale
Fewer doses of insulin may not necessarily be required with frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose. The need for insulin is determined by blood glucose levels, not the frequency of monitoring.
Choice B rationale
Frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose assists in gaining control over glucose levels. It can immediately tell you the effects of food choices, physical activity, and medication on blood glucose control.
Choice C rationale
While good blood glucose control can help minimize other health problems, frequent self- monitoring of blood glucose does not directly minimize other health problems.
Choice D rationale
Frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose is not necessarily the most cost-efficient method for glucose control. The cost efficiency depends on various factors, including the cost of testing supplies and the frequency of testing.
The nurse teaches a diabetic patient how to perform foot care.
Which action by the patient would indicate that they can correctly perform foot care?
A. Soaking feet once daily in warm water
Soaking feet once daily in warm water is not recommended for diabetic patients. This is because prolonged soaking can lead to skin breakdown and increase the risk of foot ulcers and infections.
B. Utilizing a mirror to examine the soles of the feet
Utilizing a mirror to examine the soles of the feet is a recommended practice for diabetic patients. This allows them to check for any cuts, sores, blisters, or changes in the skin that they may not be able to see otherwise. Early detection of these issues can prevent serious complications such as infections and ulcers.
C. Cutting nails in a curved direction
Cutting nails in a curved direction is not advised for diabetic patients. This can lead to ingrown toenails, which can cause sores and infections. It’s recommended to cut the nails straight across to avoid this.
D. Using a commercial medicine to remove a corn
Using a commercial medicine to remove a corn is not recommended for diabetic patients. These products can damage the skin and increase the risk of ulcers and infections. Any issues with corns or calluses should be addressed by a healthcare professional.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale
Soaking feet once daily in warm water is not recommended for diabetic patients. This is because prolonged soaking can lead to skin breakdown and increase the risk of foot ulcers and infections.
Choice B rationale
Utilizing a mirror to examine the soles of the feet is a recommended practice for diabetic patients. This allows them to check for any cuts, sores, blisters, or changes in the skin that they may not be able to see otherwise. Early detection of these issues can prevent serious complications such as infections and ulcers.
Choice C rationale
Cutting nails in a curved direction is not advised for diabetic patients. This can lead to ingrown toenails, which can cause sores and infections. It’s recommended to cut the nails straight across to avoid this.
Choice D rationale
Using a commercial medicine to remove a corn is not recommended for diabetic patients. These products can damage the skin and increase the risk of ulcers and infections. Any issues with corns or calluses should be addressed by a healthcare professional.
A client undergoing screening for diabetes has a fasting plasma glucose level of 118 mg/dL. What should the nurse plan to educate the client about?
A. Changes to achieve low HDL and high LDL levels.
Changes to achieve low HDL and high LDL levels are not recommended. In fact, the opposite is desired. High levels of HDL (good cholesterol) and low levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) are beneficial for overall health and can help prevent cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes.
B. Self-monitoring of blood glucose.
Self-monitoring of blood glucose is important for managing diabetes, but a fasting plasma glucose level of 118 mg/dL does not necessarily indicate the need for regular self-monitoring. This level is slightly elevated and may indicate prediabetes, but further testing would be needed for a definitive diagnosis.
C. Maintenance of a healthy weight.
Maintenance of a healthy weight is beneficial for everyone, but it’s particularly important for individuals with prediabetes or diabetes. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can help regulate blood glucose levels and prevent or delay the progression of prediabetes to diabetes.
D. Utilizing carbohydrate counting to match insulin intake.
Utilizing carbohydrate counting to match insulin intake is a strategy used in the management of diabetes. However, a fasting plasma glucose level of 118 mg/dL, while slightly elevated, does not necessarily indicate the need for insulin therapy or carbohydrate counting. Further testing would be needed to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale
Changes to achieve low HDL and high LDL levels are not recommended. In fact, the opposite is desired. High levels of HDL (good cholesterol) and low levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) are beneficial for overall health and can help prevent cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes.
Choice B rationale
Self-monitoring of blood glucose is important for managing diabetes, but a fasting plasma glucose level of 118 mg/dL does not necessarily indicate the need for regular self-monitoring. This level is slightly elevated and may indicate prediabetes, but further testing would be needed for a definitive diagnosis.
Choice C rationale
Maintenance of a healthy weight is beneficial for everyone, but it’s particularly important for individuals with prediabetes or diabetes. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can help regulate blood glucose levels and prevent or delay the progression of prediabetes to diabetes.
Choice D rationale
Utilizing carbohydrate counting to match insulin intake is a strategy used in the management of diabetes. However, a fasting plasma glucose level of 118 mg/dL, while slightly elevated, does not necessarily indicate the need for insulin therapy or carbohydrate counting. Further testing would be needed to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes.