Nurse Perry is caring for a female client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who exhibits confusion, light-headedness, and aberrant behavior. The client is still conscious. The nurse should first administer:
a. I.M. or subcutaneous glucagon.
b. I.V. bolus of dextrose 50%.
c. 15 to 20 g of a fast-acting carbohydrate such as orange juice.
d. 10 U of fast-acting insulin.
Answer C. This client is having a hypoglycemic episode. Because the client is conscious, the nurse should first administer a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as orange juice, hard candy, or honey. If the client has lost consciousness, the nurse should administer either I.M. or subcutaneous glucagon or an I.V. bolus of dextrose 50%. The nurse shouldn’t administer insulin to a client who’s hypoglycemic; this action will further compromise the client’s condition.
a. I.M. or subcutaneous glucagon.
b. I.V. bolus of dextrose 50%.
c. 15 to 20 g of a fast-acting carbohydrate such as orange juice.
d. 10 U of fast-acting insulin.
Answer C. This client is having a hypoglycemic episode. Because the client is conscious, the nurse should first administer a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as orange juice, hard candy, or honey. If the client has lost consciousness, the nurse should administer either I.M. or subcutaneous glucagon or an I.V. bolus of dextrose 50%. The nurse shouldn’t administer insulin to a client who’s hypoglycemic; this action will further compromise the client’s condition.
Labels
Endocrine Disorders