Question 1: A client with diabetes is prescribed regular insulin before meals. What is the nurse’s priority teaching point?
Rationale: Regular insulin is short-acting and should be administered 30 minutes before meals to match the glucose spike from food intake.
Question 2: A client with diabetes has a blood glucose level of 50 mg/dL and is unconscious. What is the nurse’s priority action?
Rationale: Administering 50% dextrose intravenously is the priority for an unconscious client to rapidly restore blood glucose levels.
Question 3: A nurse is reviewing the lab results of a client with type 2 diabetes. Which finding is most concerning?
Rationale: A potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia, which can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and requires immediate intervention.
Question 4: A client with type 1 diabetes is learning how to self-administer insulin. Which statement indicates effective learning?
Rationale: Injecting insulin into fatty tissue, such as the abdomen, ensures proper absorption and is the correct technique.
Question 5: A client with diabetes is being taught about sick day management. Which instruction should the nurse emphasize?
Rationale: Testing blood glucose every 4 hours during illness is crucial to monitor for hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia and adjust treatment accordingly.