NCLEX Practice Quiz For Diabetes Mellitus
Prepare for the NCLEX with our quiz, NCLEX Practice Questions for Diabetes Mellitus. This quiz tests your knowledge of diabetes management, including pathophysiology, pharmacology, patient education, and nursing interventions.
By taking this quiz, you will reinforce your diabetes care knowledge, ensuring you are ready for related NCLEX questions. Each question reflects the complexity of the actual test, helping you build confidence and competence.
Our quiz provides detailed explanations for each answer, helping you understand the rationale behind each response and identify areas for further study. Strengthen your understanding of diabetes mellitus with this comprehensive quiz.
Diabetes Mellitus Questions and Answers
- 1.
A client with DM states. "I cannot eat big meals; I prefer to snack throughout the day." The nurse should carefully explain the:
- A.
Regulated food intake is basic to control
- B.
Salt and sugar restriction is the main concern.
- C.
Small and frequent meals are better for digestion.
- D.
Large meals can contribute to a weight problem
Correct Answer
A. Regulated food intake is basic to controlExplanation
The nurse should explain that regulated food intake is fundamental to controlling diabetes mellitus (DM). For individuals with DM, maintaining stable blood glucose levels is crucial. Eating small, frequent meals can help prevent significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which can occur with larger meals. Consistent meal patterns, portion control, and balanced nutrition are key components of diabetes management. This approach helps in achieving better glycemic control, avoiding spikes and drops in blood glucose levels. Educating the client on the importance of monitoring carbohydrate intake, even when snacking, is essential for effective diabetes management and overall health.Rate this question:
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- 2.
A client with DM (Diabetes mellitus) has an above-knee amputation because of severe peripheral vascular disease two days following surgery. When preparing the client for dinner, it is the nurse's primary responsibility to:
- A.
Check the client’s serum glucose level.
- B.
Assist the client out of bed to the chair.
- C.
Place the client in a high-Fowler's position.
- D.
Ensure that the client’s residual limb is elevated.
Correct Answer
A. Check the client’s serum glucose level.Explanation
For a client with diabetes mellitus who has recently undergone an above-knee amputation, the nurse's primary responsibility when preparing the client for dinner is to check the client’s serum glucose level. Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial in managing diabetes, especially after surgery, because stress, changes in diet, and immobility can affect glucose levels. Ensuring that the client’s glucose is within a safe range helps prevent complications such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Although assisting the client out of bed, positioning them correctly, and ensuring the residual limb is elevated are also important, monitoring blood glucose directly impacts the client’s immediate safety and overall metabolic stability.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following nursing interventions should be taken for a client who complains of nausea and vomits one hour after taking his glyburide (DiaBeta)?
- A.
Give glyburide again
- B.
Give subcutaneous insulin and monitor blood glucose.
- C.
Monitor blood glucose closely, and look for signs of hypoglycemia.
- D.
Monitor blood glucose and assess for signs of hyperglycemia.
Correct Answer
C. Monitor blood glucose closely, and look for signs of hypoglycemia.Explanation
If a client taking glyburide (DiaBeta) for diabetes mellitus vomits one hour after taking the medication, the nurse should monitor blood glucose closely and look for signs of hypoglycemia. Glyburide is an oral hypoglycemic agent that stimulates the pancreas to release insulin, thereby lowering blood glucose levels. Vomiting can affect the absorption of the medication, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms of hypoglycemia include sweating, trembling, dizziness, and confusion. Re-administrating glyburide or giving insulin without knowing the current blood glucose level could exacerbate the situation. Therefore, close monitoring is essential to ensure the client's safety and to take appropriate corrective actions if hypoglycemia occurs.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following chronic complications is associated with diabetes?
- A.
Dizziness, dyspnea on exertion, and coronary artery disease.
- B.
Retinopathy, Neuropathy, and Coronary artery disease
- C.
Leg ulcers, cerebral ischemic events, and pulmonary infarcts
- D.
Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrhythmias
Correct Answer
B. Retinopathy, Neuropathy, and Coronary artery diseaseExplanation
Diabetes mellitus is associated with several chronic complications, including retinopathy, neuropathy, and coronary artery disease. Retinopathy refers to damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems or blindness. Neuropathy involves nerve damage, often resulting in pain, tingling, or numbness, particularly in the hands and feet. Coronary artery disease is a condition where the blood vessels supplying the heart are damaged, increasing the risk of heart attacks. These complications arise due to prolonged high blood glucose levels, which can damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body. Proper management of blood sugar levels and regular monitoring are essential to prevent or delay these complications.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Rotating injection sites when administering insulin prevents which of the following complications?
- A.
Insulin edema
- B.
Insulin lipodystrophy
- C.
Insulin resistance
- D.
Systemic allergic reactions
Correct Answer
B. Insulin lipodystrophyExplanation
Rotating injection sites when administering insulin prevents insulin lipodystrophy. Insulin lipodystrophy is a condition characterized by abnormal changes in subcutaneous fat tissue at injection sites, leading to lumps or indentations. Repeatedly using the same site for insulin injections can cause these localized changes, affecting insulin absorption and potentially leading to poor glycemic control. By rotating injection sites, patients can avoid these tissue changes and ensure more consistent insulin absorption. This practice helps maintain effective blood glucose management and reduces the risk of complications associated with uneven insulin distribution in the body.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following methods of insulin administration would be used in the initial treatment of hyperglycemia in a client with diabetic ketoacidosis?
- A.
Subcutaneous
- B.
Intramuscular
- C.
IV bolus only
- D.
IV bolus, followed by continuous infusion.
Correct Answer
D. IV bolus, followed by continuous infusion.Explanation
In the initial treatment of hyperglycemia in a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), insulin is administered as an IV bolus followed by continuous infusion. This approach ensures rapid and controlled reduction of blood glucose levels, which is crucial in managing DKA. DKA is a severe complication of diabetes characterized by high blood glucose, ketones in the urine, and metabolic acidosis. The IV bolus quickly lowers blood glucose levels, while the continuous infusion maintains the glucose-lowering effect, helping to stabilize the patient's metabolic state. This method also allows for precise control and monitoring of insulin administration, which is essential in the acute management of DKA.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Insulin forces which of the following electrolytes out of the plasma and into the cells?
- A.
Calcium
- B.
Magnesium
- C.
Phosphorus
- D.
Potassium
Correct Answer
D. PotassiumExplanation
Insulin forces potassium out of the plasma and into the cells. This action helps to lower blood potassium levels and is particularly significant in the management of conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), where hyperglycemia and insulin deficiency can lead to high plasma potassium levels. When insulin is administered, it facilitates the uptake of glucose into cells, and simultaneously, potassium is transported into the cells. This dual action helps in correcting hyperglycemia and reducing hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels). Monitoring potassium levels is crucial during insulin therapy to avoid potential complications such as hypokalemia, which can cause muscle weakness, arrhythmias, and other serious health issues.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following causes of HHNS is most common?
- A.
Insulin overdose
- B.
Removal of the adrenal gland
- C.
Undiagnosed and untreated hyperpituitarism
- D.
Undiagnosed and untreated diabetes mellitus
Correct Answer
D. Undiagnosed and untreated diabetes mellitusExplanation
The most common cause of Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS) is undiagnosed and untreated diabetes mellitus. HHNS is a serious condition characterized by extremely high blood glucose levels, severe dehydration, and altered mental status. It typically occurs in individuals with type 2 diabetes who have not been diagnosed or are not managing their condition properly. Without adequate insulin, glucose cannot enter the cells and remains in the bloodstream, leading to hyperglycemia. The body responds by increasing urine output to eliminate excess glucose, resulting in severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Early diagnosis and effective management of diabetes are essential to prevent HHNS and its potentially life-threatening complications.Rate this question:
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- 9.
A client is in DKA, secondary to infection. As the condition progresses, which of the following symptoms might the nurse see?
- A.
Kussmaul’s respirations and a fruity odor on the breath
- B.
Shallow respirations and severe abdominal pain
- C.
Decreased respirations and increased urine output.
- D.
Cheyne-stokes respirations and foul-smelling urine
Correct Answer
A. Kussmaul’s respirations and a fruity odor on the breathExplanation
In Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), especially when secondary to infection, the nurse might observe Kussmaul’s respirations and a fruity odor on the breath. Kussmaul’s respirations are deep and labored breathing patterns that occur as the body tries to compensate for metabolic acidosis by expelling more carbon dioxide. The fruity odor on the breath is due to the presence of acetone, a type of ketone produced during fat metabolism. These symptoms are indicative of severe DKA, where the body is breaking down fat for energy in the absence of sufficient insulin, leading to the accumulation of ketones. Prompt recognition and treatment of these symptoms are crucial to prevent further complications.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Clients with type 1 diabetes may require which of the following changes to their daily routine during periods of infection?
- A.
No changes
- B.
Less insulin
- C.
More insulin
- D.
Oral antidiabetic agents
Correct Answer
C. More insulinExplanation
Clients with type 1 diabetes may require more insulin during periods of infection. Infections can cause stress on the body, leading to the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which increase blood glucose levels. As a result, the body's need for insulin rises to manage these elevated glucose levels effectively. Adjusting insulin dosage to account for this increase helps to prevent hyperglycemia and the potential development of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Monitoring blood glucose levels more frequently during illness is also essential to make appropriate insulin adjustments and maintain good glycemic control.Rate this question:
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Aug 22, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Oct 04, 2017Quiz Created by
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