NUR311 MaNageMeNt of Diabetes MellitUs exaM
stUDy gUiDe 2025/2026 | NClex-style PRaCtiCe
QUestioNs with VeRifieD aNsweRs & DetaileD
RatioNales | CoMPReheNsiVe aDUlt health
NURsiNg ReView oN iNsUliN theRaPy, DKa, hhs,
glyCeMiC CoNtRol & PatieNt eDUCatioN
1. Which of the following is a primary goal of insulin therapy in diabetic patients?
A) Increase blood glucose levels
B) Maintain normal blood glucose levels
C) Decrease the need for oral medications
D) Promote weight gain
Correct Option: B) Maintain normal blood glucose levels
Rationale: The primary goal of insulin therapy is to maintain normal blood glucose levels in
individuals with diabetes, preventing both hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic episodes.
2. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is characterized by which of the following?
A) Hyperglycemia, ketonuria, acidosis
B) Hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, alkalosis
C) Normal glucose levels, metabolic acidosis
D) Elevated blood glucose with respiratory alkalosis
Correct Option: A) Hyperglycemia, ketonuria, acidosis
Rationale: DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia, the presence of ketones in urine (ketonuria),
and metabolic acidosis due to the accumulation of ketone bodies.
3. An 80-year-old patient is diagnosed with Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State (HHS).
Which clinical manifestation should the nurse anticipate?
A) Abdominal pain
B) Polyuria and polydipsia
C) Fruity-smelling breath
D) Weakness and confusion
Correct Option: D) Weakness and confusion
Rationale: HHS typically leads to severe dehydration, resulting in neurological symptoms like
weakness and confusion. Other symptoms are milder compared to DKA.
,4. A patient with diabetes is educated on glycemic control. Which statement made by the
patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "I should monitor my blood glucose daily."
B) "I can skip my insulin if I feel sick."
C) "I need to maintain a balanced diet."
D) "Regular exercise is important for my health."
Correct Option: B) "I can skip my insulin if I feel sick."
Rationale: Patients should not skip insulin doses even when feeling ill, as stress can increase
blood glucose levels. Continuous medication adherence is crucial.
5. What is the best method for the nurse to educate a newly diagnosed diabetic patient
about insulin administration?
A) Demonstrate how to use an insulin pump only
B) Provide written instructions only
C) Perform a return demonstration of the injection technique
D) Discuss the side effects of insulin
Correct Option: C) Perform a return demonstration of the injection technique
Rationale: A return demonstration by the patient ensures they understand the proper technique
for insulin administration, promoting safe and effective self-care.
6. A patient diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes is learning about carbohydrate counting.
Which food choice should be included in the meal plan?
A) Grilled chicken breast
B) Broccoli
C) Brown rice
D) Olive oil
Correct Option: C) Brown rice
Rationale: Brown rice is a carbohydrate-containing food that the patient needs to consider for
their meal planning to manage blood glucose levels.
7. What is the most appropriate initial intervention for a patient experiencing symptoms of
hypoglycemia?
, A) Administer glucagon
B) Provide a high-protein snack
C) Offer juice or glucose tablets
D) Call for emergency assistance
Correct Option: C) Offer juice or glucose tablets
Rationale: The best initial treatment for hypoglycemia is to provide a quick source of glucose,
such as juice or glucose tablets, to quickly raise blood sugar levels.
8. Which patient statement indicates a correct understanding of the complications
associated with poorly controlled diabetes?
A) "I am only at risk for foot ulcers."
B) "I may develop kidney disease if my blood sugars remain high."
C) "Vision problems will not happen to me."
D) "I cannot have any complications as long as I take my medications."
Correct Option: B) "I may develop kidney disease if my blood sugars remain high."
Rationale: Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to various complications, including nephropathy
(kidney disease), neuropathy, and retinopathy.
9. In teaching a patient with diabetes about the importance of regular foot care, which of
the following should the nurse include?
A) Avoid washing your feet daily.
B) Trim toenails straight across.
C) Wear tight shoes for support.
D) Use hot water for foot baths.
Correct Option: B) Trim toenails straight across.
Rationale: Trimming toenails straight across helps to prevent ingrown toenails, which can lead
to infection, especially in diabetic patients.
10. The nurse is evaluating a patient’s understanding of insulin types. If a patient states, “I
know that my long-acting insulin will control my blood sugar throughout the day,” which
insulin is the patient most likely referring to?
A) Insulin lispro
B) Insulin glargine
stUDy gUiDe 2025/2026 | NClex-style PRaCtiCe
QUestioNs with VeRifieD aNsweRs & DetaileD
RatioNales | CoMPReheNsiVe aDUlt health
NURsiNg ReView oN iNsUliN theRaPy, DKa, hhs,
glyCeMiC CoNtRol & PatieNt eDUCatioN
1. Which of the following is a primary goal of insulin therapy in diabetic patients?
A) Increase blood glucose levels
B) Maintain normal blood glucose levels
C) Decrease the need for oral medications
D) Promote weight gain
Correct Option: B) Maintain normal blood glucose levels
Rationale: The primary goal of insulin therapy is to maintain normal blood glucose levels in
individuals with diabetes, preventing both hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic episodes.
2. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is characterized by which of the following?
A) Hyperglycemia, ketonuria, acidosis
B) Hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, alkalosis
C) Normal glucose levels, metabolic acidosis
D) Elevated blood glucose with respiratory alkalosis
Correct Option: A) Hyperglycemia, ketonuria, acidosis
Rationale: DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia, the presence of ketones in urine (ketonuria),
and metabolic acidosis due to the accumulation of ketone bodies.
3. An 80-year-old patient is diagnosed with Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State (HHS).
Which clinical manifestation should the nurse anticipate?
A) Abdominal pain
B) Polyuria and polydipsia
C) Fruity-smelling breath
D) Weakness and confusion
Correct Option: D) Weakness and confusion
Rationale: HHS typically leads to severe dehydration, resulting in neurological symptoms like
weakness and confusion. Other symptoms are milder compared to DKA.
,4. A patient with diabetes is educated on glycemic control. Which statement made by the
patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "I should monitor my blood glucose daily."
B) "I can skip my insulin if I feel sick."
C) "I need to maintain a balanced diet."
D) "Regular exercise is important for my health."
Correct Option: B) "I can skip my insulin if I feel sick."
Rationale: Patients should not skip insulin doses even when feeling ill, as stress can increase
blood glucose levels. Continuous medication adherence is crucial.
5. What is the best method for the nurse to educate a newly diagnosed diabetic patient
about insulin administration?
A) Demonstrate how to use an insulin pump only
B) Provide written instructions only
C) Perform a return demonstration of the injection technique
D) Discuss the side effects of insulin
Correct Option: C) Perform a return demonstration of the injection technique
Rationale: A return demonstration by the patient ensures they understand the proper technique
for insulin administration, promoting safe and effective self-care.
6. A patient diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes is learning about carbohydrate counting.
Which food choice should be included in the meal plan?
A) Grilled chicken breast
B) Broccoli
C) Brown rice
D) Olive oil
Correct Option: C) Brown rice
Rationale: Brown rice is a carbohydrate-containing food that the patient needs to consider for
their meal planning to manage blood glucose levels.
7. What is the most appropriate initial intervention for a patient experiencing symptoms of
hypoglycemia?
, A) Administer glucagon
B) Provide a high-protein snack
C) Offer juice or glucose tablets
D) Call for emergency assistance
Correct Option: C) Offer juice or glucose tablets
Rationale: The best initial treatment for hypoglycemia is to provide a quick source of glucose,
such as juice or glucose tablets, to quickly raise blood sugar levels.
8. Which patient statement indicates a correct understanding of the complications
associated with poorly controlled diabetes?
A) "I am only at risk for foot ulcers."
B) "I may develop kidney disease if my blood sugars remain high."
C) "Vision problems will not happen to me."
D) "I cannot have any complications as long as I take my medications."
Correct Option: B) "I may develop kidney disease if my blood sugars remain high."
Rationale: Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to various complications, including nephropathy
(kidney disease), neuropathy, and retinopathy.
9. In teaching a patient with diabetes about the importance of regular foot care, which of
the following should the nurse include?
A) Avoid washing your feet daily.
B) Trim toenails straight across.
C) Wear tight shoes for support.
D) Use hot water for foot baths.
Correct Option: B) Trim toenails straight across.
Rationale: Trimming toenails straight across helps to prevent ingrown toenails, which can lead
to infection, especially in diabetic patients.
10. The nurse is evaluating a patient’s understanding of insulin types. If a patient states, “I
know that my long-acting insulin will control my blood sugar throughout the day,” which
insulin is the patient most likely referring to?
A) Insulin lispro
B) Insulin glargine
