NU176 Exam 1: (Latest 2026/2027) Diabetes, Stroke, Dementia,
Seizures, Anticoagulants, IICP & Neurologic Emergencies | Q&A
Grade A
Complete Review: Insulin Types & Mixing, Metformin, DKA, Hyperglycemia, Stroke Interventions, Anticoagulation, IICP
Signs, Seizure Precautions & Dementia Care
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Medical‑Surgical Nursing / NU 176 Galen Exam 1 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Q1
What is the first medication given for type 2 diabetes?
CORRECT ANSWER
Metformin (side effect: diarrhea)
RATIONALE
• Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity.
• Common side effect: GI upset, diarrhea (usually transient).
• Does not cause hypoglycemia when used alone.
Q2
How often should a type 1 diabetic check blood sugar?
CORRECT ANSWER
4 times per day (more frequently when sick – stress and illness raise blood sugar).
RATIONALE
• Check before meals and at bedtime.
• Illness, infection, and stress increase glucose levels due to cortisol release.
• Never skip insulin when sick.
, Q3
What is the diet recommendation for type 1 diabetes?
CORRECT ANSWER
Low carb, unless they are getting ready to work out or exercise (extra carbs needed to prevent
hypoglycemia).
RATIONALE
• Eat a snack before exercise to prevent hypoglycemia.
• Carb counting is essential for matching insulin doses.
• A1c above 6.5% = diagnostic for diabetes.
Q4
What are the classic symptoms of hyperglycemia (the 3 P's)?
CORRECT ANSWER
Polyphagia (excessive hunger), polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyuria (excessive urination).
RATIONALE
• High glucose causes osmotic diuresis → polyuria → dehydration → polydipsia.
• Polyphagia occurs because cells cannot use glucose despite high levels.
• Also weight loss in type 1 (fat breakdown).
Q5
Which insulins can never be mixed?
CORRECT ANSWER
Lantus (glargine) and Levemir (detemir) – long‑acting insulins cannot be mixed with any other insulin.
RATIONALE
• Long‑acting insulins have a pH that causes precipitation when mixed.
• Lantus peak: 1‑3 hours (no true peak, steady action).
• NPH (cloudy) can be mixed with regular insulin (clear).
Seizures, Anticoagulants, IICP & Neurologic Emergencies | Q&A
Grade A
Complete Review: Insulin Types & Mixing, Metformin, DKA, Hyperglycemia, Stroke Interventions, Anticoagulation, IICP
Signs, Seizure Precautions & Dementia Care
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Medical‑Surgical Nursing / NU 176 Galen Exam 1 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Q1
What is the first medication given for type 2 diabetes?
CORRECT ANSWER
Metformin (side effect: diarrhea)
RATIONALE
• Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity.
• Common side effect: GI upset, diarrhea (usually transient).
• Does not cause hypoglycemia when used alone.
Q2
How often should a type 1 diabetic check blood sugar?
CORRECT ANSWER
4 times per day (more frequently when sick – stress and illness raise blood sugar).
RATIONALE
• Check before meals and at bedtime.
• Illness, infection, and stress increase glucose levels due to cortisol release.
• Never skip insulin when sick.
, Q3
What is the diet recommendation for type 1 diabetes?
CORRECT ANSWER
Low carb, unless they are getting ready to work out or exercise (extra carbs needed to prevent
hypoglycemia).
RATIONALE
• Eat a snack before exercise to prevent hypoglycemia.
• Carb counting is essential for matching insulin doses.
• A1c above 6.5% = diagnostic for diabetes.
Q4
What are the classic symptoms of hyperglycemia (the 3 P's)?
CORRECT ANSWER
Polyphagia (excessive hunger), polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyuria (excessive urination).
RATIONALE
• High glucose causes osmotic diuresis → polyuria → dehydration → polydipsia.
• Polyphagia occurs because cells cannot use glucose despite high levels.
• Also weight loss in type 1 (fat breakdown).
Q5
Which insulins can never be mixed?
CORRECT ANSWER
Lantus (glargine) and Levemir (detemir) – long‑acting insulins cannot be mixed with any other insulin.
RATIONALE
• Long‑acting insulins have a pH that causes precipitation when mixed.
• Lantus peak: 1‑3 hours (no true peak, steady action).
• NPH (cloudy) can be mixed with regular insulin (clear).
