NSG 320 Exam #1 TOPIC 1: (Latest 2026/2027 Update) Glucose
Regulation, Diabetes, Thyroid, & Nursing Prioritization | Q&A | Grade A |
100% Correct (Verified Answers) – Nursing Program
Subject: NSG 320 – Medical-Surgical Nursing / Endocrine & Prioritization
Source: NSG 320 Exam #1 Topic 1 Blueprint 2026/2027
Format: Q&A Guide with Rationale | Verified Grade A
1. What is the primary role of glucose in the body?
Correct Answer: Glucose serves as the primary source of energy for cells (ATP production)
1. Glucose is broken down via glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation to produce ATP.
2. Brain depends almost exclusively on glucose for energy (needs ~120g/day).
3. Excess glucose stored as glycogen in liver and muscle.
2. What is the normal fasting blood glucose range?
Correct Answer: 70-100 mg/dL
1. Fasting defined as no caloric intake for ≥8 hours.
2. Hypoglycemia <70 mg/dL; hyperglycemia >125 mg/dL fasting.
3. Tight control (80-130 mg/dL) for diabetics reduces complications.
3. What are the complications of hyperglycemia?
Correct Answer: Microvascular complications (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy); macrovascular
complications (CVD, PAD, stroke); cellular dysfunction, insulin resistance, osmotic diuresis, electrolyte imbalances,
impaired immune function, metabolic acidosis
1. Microvascular: thickening of capillary basement membrane → end-organ damage.
2. Macrovascular: accelerated atherosclerosis via glycation of LDL and increased inflammation.
3. Osmotic diuresis causes polyuria, polydipsia, electrolyte loss, dehydration.
4. What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?
Correct Answer: Confusion, irritability, tremors, sweating, shakiness, palpitations, anxiety, hunger
1. Autonomic symptoms (from sympathetic activation): sweating, tachycardia, anxiety, tremor.
2. Neuroglycopenic symptoms (brain glucose deprivation): confusion, difficulty speaking, visual changes, stupor,
seizures, coma.
3. Severe hypoglycemia untreated → hypothermia, seizure, LOC, death.
5. What is the role of insulin in glucose regulation?
Correct Answer: Insulin facilitates transport of glucose into cells, lowering blood glucose levels; promotes anabolic
processes (protein, carbohydrate, lipid, nucleic acid synthesis); stimulates glycogen storage and fat storage;
facilitates intracellular transport of K+, phosphate, Mg2+; preserves protein from being used for energy
1. Insulin binds to tyrosine kinase receptors, increasing GLUT4 translocation to cell membrane.
2. Inhibition of gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis reduces hepatic glucose output.
3. Insulin deficiency leads to catabolism, hyperglycemia, and ketosis (Type 1 DKA).
Regulation, Diabetes, Thyroid, & Nursing Prioritization | Q&A | Grade A |
100% Correct (Verified Answers) – Nursing Program
Subject: NSG 320 – Medical-Surgical Nursing / Endocrine & Prioritization
Source: NSG 320 Exam #1 Topic 1 Blueprint 2026/2027
Format: Q&A Guide with Rationale | Verified Grade A
1. What is the primary role of glucose in the body?
Correct Answer: Glucose serves as the primary source of energy for cells (ATP production)
1. Glucose is broken down via glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation to produce ATP.
2. Brain depends almost exclusively on glucose for energy (needs ~120g/day).
3. Excess glucose stored as glycogen in liver and muscle.
2. What is the normal fasting blood glucose range?
Correct Answer: 70-100 mg/dL
1. Fasting defined as no caloric intake for ≥8 hours.
2. Hypoglycemia <70 mg/dL; hyperglycemia >125 mg/dL fasting.
3. Tight control (80-130 mg/dL) for diabetics reduces complications.
3. What are the complications of hyperglycemia?
Correct Answer: Microvascular complications (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy); macrovascular
complications (CVD, PAD, stroke); cellular dysfunction, insulin resistance, osmotic diuresis, electrolyte imbalances,
impaired immune function, metabolic acidosis
1. Microvascular: thickening of capillary basement membrane → end-organ damage.
2. Macrovascular: accelerated atherosclerosis via glycation of LDL and increased inflammation.
3. Osmotic diuresis causes polyuria, polydipsia, electrolyte loss, dehydration.
4. What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?
Correct Answer: Confusion, irritability, tremors, sweating, shakiness, palpitations, anxiety, hunger
1. Autonomic symptoms (from sympathetic activation): sweating, tachycardia, anxiety, tremor.
2. Neuroglycopenic symptoms (brain glucose deprivation): confusion, difficulty speaking, visual changes, stupor,
seizures, coma.
3. Severe hypoglycemia untreated → hypothermia, seizure, LOC, death.
5. What is the role of insulin in glucose regulation?
Correct Answer: Insulin facilitates transport of glucose into cells, lowering blood glucose levels; promotes anabolic
processes (protein, carbohydrate, lipid, nucleic acid synthesis); stimulates glycogen storage and fat storage;
facilitates intracellular transport of K+, phosphate, Mg2+; preserves protein from being used for energy
1. Insulin binds to tyrosine kinase receptors, increasing GLUT4 translocation to cell membrane.
2. Inhibition of gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis reduces hepatic glucose output.
3. Insulin deficiency leads to catabolism, hyperglycemia, and ketosis (Type 1 DKA).
