Diabetes NCLEX Questions
A patient with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus asks the nurse what "type 2"
means in relation to diabetes. The nurse explains to the patient that type 2 diabetes
differs from type 1 diabetes primarily in that with type 2 diabetes
a. the patient is totally dependent on an outside source of insulin.
b. there is decreased insulin secretion and cellular resistance to insulin that is produced.
c. the immune system destroys the pancreatic insulin-producing cells.
d. the insulin precursor that is secreted by the pancreas is not activated by the liver. -
ANSWER✅✅✅B
Rationale: In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin, but the insulin is
insufficient for the body's needs or the cells do not respond to the insulin appropriately.
The other information describes the physiology of type 1 diabetes.
A patient screened for diabetes at a clinic has a fasting plasma glucose level of 120
mg/dl (6.7 mmol/L). The nurse will plan to teach the patient about
a. use of low doses of regular insulin.
b. self-monitoring of blood glucose.
c. oral hypoglycemic medications.
d. maintenance of a healthy weight. -ANSWER✅✅✅D
Rationale: The patient's impaired fasting glucose indicates prediabetes and the patient
should be counseled about lifestyle changes to prevent the development of type 2
diabetes. The patient with prediabetes does not require insulin or the oral
hypoglycemics for glucose control and does not need to self-monitor blood glucose.
During a diabetes screening program, a patient tells the nurse, "My mother died of
complications of type 2 diabetes. Can I inherit diabetes?" The nurse explains that
a. as long as the patient maintains normal weight and exercises, type 2 diabetes can be
prevented.
b. the patient is at a higher than normal risk for type 2 diabetes and should have
periodic blood glucose level testing.
c. there is a greater risk for children developing type 2 diabetes when the father has
type 2 diabetes.
d. although there is a tendency for children of people with type 2 diabetes to develop
diabetes, the risk is higher for those with type 1 diabetes. -ANSWER✅✅✅B
Rationale: Offspring of people with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk for developing type
2 diabetes. The risk can be decreased, but not prevented, by maintenance of normal
weight and exercising. The risk for children of a person with type 1 diabetes to develop
diabetes is higher when it is the father who has the disease. Offspring of people with
type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop diabetes than offspring of those with type 1
diabetes.
,A program of weight loss and exercise is recommended for a patient with impaired
fasting glucose (IFG). When teaching the patient about the reason for these lifestyle
changes, the nurse will tell the patient that
a. the high insulin levels associated with this syndrome damage the lining of blood
vessels, leading to vascular disease.
b. although the fasting plasma glucose levels do not currently indicate diabetes, the
glycosylated hemoglobin will be elevated.
c. the liver is producing excessive glucose, which will eventually exhaust the ability of
the pancreas to produce insulin, and exercise will normalize glucose production.
d. the onset of diabetes and the associated cardiovascular risks can be delayed or
prevented by weight loss and exercise. -ANSWER✅✅✅D
Rationale: The patient with IFG is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, but this risk can
be decreased with lifestyle changes. Glycosylated hemoglobin levels will not be
elevated in IFG and the Hb A1C test is not included in prediabetes testing. Elevated
insulin levels do not cause the damage to blood vessels that can occur with IFG. The
liver does not produce increased levels of glucose in IFG.
When assessing the patient experiencing the onset of symptoms of type 1 diabetes,
which question should the nurse ask?
a. "Have you lost any weight lately?"
b. "Do you crave fluids containing sugar?"
c. "How long have you felt anorexic?"
d. "Is your urine unusually dark-colored?" -ANSWER✅✅✅A
Rationale: Weight loss occurs because the body is no longer able to absorb glucose
and starts to break down protein and fat for energy. The patient is thirsty but does not
necessarily crave sugar- containing fluids. Increased appetite is a classic symptom of
type 1 diabetes. With the classic symptom of polyuria, urine will be very dilute.
During a clinic visit 3 months following a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, the patient reports
following a reduced-calorie diet. The patient has not lost any weight and did not bring
the glucose-monitoring record. The nurse will plan to obtain a(n)
a. fasting blood glucose level.
b. urine dipstick for glucose.
c. glycosylated hemoglobin level.
d. oral glucose tolerance test. -ANSWER✅✅✅C
Rationale: The glycosylated hemoglobin (Hb A1C) test shows the overall control of
glucose over 90 to 120 days. A fasting blood level indicates only the glucose level at
one time. Urine glucose testing is not an accurate reflection of blood glucose level and
does not reflect the glucose over a prolonged time. Oral glucose tolerance testing is
done to diagnose diabetes, but is not used for monitoring glucose control once diabetes
has been diagnosed.
A patient who has just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is 5 ft 4 in (160 cm) tall and
weighs 182 pounds (82 kg). A nursing diagnosis of imbalanced nutrition: more than
body requirements is developed. Which patient outcome is most important for this
patient?
, a. The patient will have a diet and exercise plan that results in weight loss.
b. The patient will state the reasons for eliminating simple sugars in the diet.
c. The patient will have a glycosylated hemoglobin level of less than 7%.
d. The patient will choose a diet that distributes calories throughout the day. -
ANSWER✅✅✅C
Rationale: The complications of diabetes are related to elevated blood glucose, and the
most important patient outcome is the reduction of glucose to near-normal levels. The
other outcomes are also appropriate but are not as high in priority.
A college student who has type 1 diabetes normally walks each evening as part of an
exercise regimen. The student now plans to take a swimming class every day at 1:00
PM. The clinic nurse teaches the patient to
a. delay eating the noon meal until after the swimming class.
b. increase the morning dose of neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin on days of
the swimming class.
c. time the morning insulin injection so that the peak occurs while swimming.
d. check glucose level before, during, and after swimming. -ANSWER✅✅✅D
Rationale: The change in exercise will affect blood glucose, and the patient will need to
monitor glucose carefully to determine the need for changes in diet and insulin
administration. Because exercise tends to decrease blood glucose, patients are advised
to eat before exercising. Increasing the morning NPH or timing the insulin to peak
during exercise may lead to hypoglycemia, especially with the increased exercise.
A patient with type 1 diabetes has received diet instruction as part of the treatment plan.
The nurse determines a need for additional instruction when the patient says,
a. "I may have an occasional alcoholic drink if I include it in my meal plan."
b. "I will need a bedtime snack because I take an evening dose of NPH insulin."
c. "I will eat meals as scheduled, even if I am not hungry, to prevent hypoglycemia."
d. "I may eat whatever I want, as long as I use enough insulin to cover the calories." -
ANSWER✅✅✅D
Rationale: Most patients with type 1 diabetes need to plan diet choices very carefully.
Patients who are using intensified insulin therapy have considerable flexibility in diet
choices but still should restrict dietary intake of items such as fat, protein, and alcohol.
The other patient statements are correct and indicate good understanding of the diet
instruction.
A 1200-calorie diet and exercise are prescribed for a patient with newly diagnosed type
2 diabetes. The patient tells the nurse, "I hate to exercise! Can't I just follow the diet to
keep my glucose under control?" The nurse teaches the patient that the major purpose
of exercise for diabetics is to
a. increase energy and sense of well-being, which will help with body image.
b. facilitate weight loss, which will decrease peripheral insulin resistance.
c. improve cardiovascular endurance, which is important for diabetics.
d. set a successful pattern, which will help in making other needed changes. -
ANSWER✅✅✅B
A patient with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus asks the nurse what "type 2"
means in relation to diabetes. The nurse explains to the patient that type 2 diabetes
differs from type 1 diabetes primarily in that with type 2 diabetes
a. the patient is totally dependent on an outside source of insulin.
b. there is decreased insulin secretion and cellular resistance to insulin that is produced.
c. the immune system destroys the pancreatic insulin-producing cells.
d. the insulin precursor that is secreted by the pancreas is not activated by the liver. -
ANSWER✅✅✅B
Rationale: In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin, but the insulin is
insufficient for the body's needs or the cells do not respond to the insulin appropriately.
The other information describes the physiology of type 1 diabetes.
A patient screened for diabetes at a clinic has a fasting plasma glucose level of 120
mg/dl (6.7 mmol/L). The nurse will plan to teach the patient about
a. use of low doses of regular insulin.
b. self-monitoring of blood glucose.
c. oral hypoglycemic medications.
d. maintenance of a healthy weight. -ANSWER✅✅✅D
Rationale: The patient's impaired fasting glucose indicates prediabetes and the patient
should be counseled about lifestyle changes to prevent the development of type 2
diabetes. The patient with prediabetes does not require insulin or the oral
hypoglycemics for glucose control and does not need to self-monitor blood glucose.
During a diabetes screening program, a patient tells the nurse, "My mother died of
complications of type 2 diabetes. Can I inherit diabetes?" The nurse explains that
a. as long as the patient maintains normal weight and exercises, type 2 diabetes can be
prevented.
b. the patient is at a higher than normal risk for type 2 diabetes and should have
periodic blood glucose level testing.
c. there is a greater risk for children developing type 2 diabetes when the father has
type 2 diabetes.
d. although there is a tendency for children of people with type 2 diabetes to develop
diabetes, the risk is higher for those with type 1 diabetes. -ANSWER✅✅✅B
Rationale: Offspring of people with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk for developing type
2 diabetes. The risk can be decreased, but not prevented, by maintenance of normal
weight and exercising. The risk for children of a person with type 1 diabetes to develop
diabetes is higher when it is the father who has the disease. Offspring of people with
type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop diabetes than offspring of those with type 1
diabetes.
,A program of weight loss and exercise is recommended for a patient with impaired
fasting glucose (IFG). When teaching the patient about the reason for these lifestyle
changes, the nurse will tell the patient that
a. the high insulin levels associated with this syndrome damage the lining of blood
vessels, leading to vascular disease.
b. although the fasting plasma glucose levels do not currently indicate diabetes, the
glycosylated hemoglobin will be elevated.
c. the liver is producing excessive glucose, which will eventually exhaust the ability of
the pancreas to produce insulin, and exercise will normalize glucose production.
d. the onset of diabetes and the associated cardiovascular risks can be delayed or
prevented by weight loss and exercise. -ANSWER✅✅✅D
Rationale: The patient with IFG is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, but this risk can
be decreased with lifestyle changes. Glycosylated hemoglobin levels will not be
elevated in IFG and the Hb A1C test is not included in prediabetes testing. Elevated
insulin levels do not cause the damage to blood vessels that can occur with IFG. The
liver does not produce increased levels of glucose in IFG.
When assessing the patient experiencing the onset of symptoms of type 1 diabetes,
which question should the nurse ask?
a. "Have you lost any weight lately?"
b. "Do you crave fluids containing sugar?"
c. "How long have you felt anorexic?"
d. "Is your urine unusually dark-colored?" -ANSWER✅✅✅A
Rationale: Weight loss occurs because the body is no longer able to absorb glucose
and starts to break down protein and fat for energy. The patient is thirsty but does not
necessarily crave sugar- containing fluids. Increased appetite is a classic symptom of
type 1 diabetes. With the classic symptom of polyuria, urine will be very dilute.
During a clinic visit 3 months following a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, the patient reports
following a reduced-calorie diet. The patient has not lost any weight and did not bring
the glucose-monitoring record. The nurse will plan to obtain a(n)
a. fasting blood glucose level.
b. urine dipstick for glucose.
c. glycosylated hemoglobin level.
d. oral glucose tolerance test. -ANSWER✅✅✅C
Rationale: The glycosylated hemoglobin (Hb A1C) test shows the overall control of
glucose over 90 to 120 days. A fasting blood level indicates only the glucose level at
one time. Urine glucose testing is not an accurate reflection of blood glucose level and
does not reflect the glucose over a prolonged time. Oral glucose tolerance testing is
done to diagnose diabetes, but is not used for monitoring glucose control once diabetes
has been diagnosed.
A patient who has just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is 5 ft 4 in (160 cm) tall and
weighs 182 pounds (82 kg). A nursing diagnosis of imbalanced nutrition: more than
body requirements is developed. Which patient outcome is most important for this
patient?
, a. The patient will have a diet and exercise plan that results in weight loss.
b. The patient will state the reasons for eliminating simple sugars in the diet.
c. The patient will have a glycosylated hemoglobin level of less than 7%.
d. The patient will choose a diet that distributes calories throughout the day. -
ANSWER✅✅✅C
Rationale: The complications of diabetes are related to elevated blood glucose, and the
most important patient outcome is the reduction of glucose to near-normal levels. The
other outcomes are also appropriate but are not as high in priority.
A college student who has type 1 diabetes normally walks each evening as part of an
exercise regimen. The student now plans to take a swimming class every day at 1:00
PM. The clinic nurse teaches the patient to
a. delay eating the noon meal until after the swimming class.
b. increase the morning dose of neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin on days of
the swimming class.
c. time the morning insulin injection so that the peak occurs while swimming.
d. check glucose level before, during, and after swimming. -ANSWER✅✅✅D
Rationale: The change in exercise will affect blood glucose, and the patient will need to
monitor glucose carefully to determine the need for changes in diet and insulin
administration. Because exercise tends to decrease blood glucose, patients are advised
to eat before exercising. Increasing the morning NPH or timing the insulin to peak
during exercise may lead to hypoglycemia, especially with the increased exercise.
A patient with type 1 diabetes has received diet instruction as part of the treatment plan.
The nurse determines a need for additional instruction when the patient says,
a. "I may have an occasional alcoholic drink if I include it in my meal plan."
b. "I will need a bedtime snack because I take an evening dose of NPH insulin."
c. "I will eat meals as scheduled, even if I am not hungry, to prevent hypoglycemia."
d. "I may eat whatever I want, as long as I use enough insulin to cover the calories." -
ANSWER✅✅✅D
Rationale: Most patients with type 1 diabetes need to plan diet choices very carefully.
Patients who are using intensified insulin therapy have considerable flexibility in diet
choices but still should restrict dietary intake of items such as fat, protein, and alcohol.
The other patient statements are correct and indicate good understanding of the diet
instruction.
A 1200-calorie diet and exercise are prescribed for a patient with newly diagnosed type
2 diabetes. The patient tells the nurse, "I hate to exercise! Can't I just follow the diet to
keep my glucose under control?" The nurse teaches the patient that the major purpose
of exercise for diabetics is to
a. increase energy and sense of well-being, which will help with body image.
b. facilitate weight loss, which will decrease peripheral insulin resistance.
c. improve cardiovascular endurance, which is important for diabetics.
d. set a successful pattern, which will help in making other needed changes. -
ANSWER✅✅✅B
