N3661 EXAM 1 (MED SURG - D.
CLEARY) 2026 STUDY GUIDE |
PRACTICE QUESTIONS, ANSWERS
& RATIONALES
| GRADED A+ | GUARANTEED
SUCCESS
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales Included
,Starting with #1: eating carbohydrates, what are the 1. eat carbs
following steps? 2. converted & absorbed via GI tract
3. glucose travels in bloodstream to targeted cells
4. blood glucose levels are elevated, triggers beta cells in pancreas to release
insulin
5. insulin transports glucose across cell membrane
6. blood glucose levels now low, insulin stops secreting and alpha cells of
pancreas release glucagon
7. glucagon stimulates release of sugar from liver stores
insulin resistance vs deficiency resistance: can't cross cell wall
deficiency: not enough produced
type 1 vs type 2 diabetes type 1: produces no insulin at all (dx before 30, common with autoimmune
disorders)
type 2: insulin resistance
What BMI puts you at risk for type 2 DM? >25
What are the cardinal signs of diabetes? (3) the 3 P's
polyuria
polydipsia (excessive thirst)
polyphagia (excessive eating)
Why does diabetic experience polyuria? result of increased concentration of glucose in urine
(sugar attracts more water, pulls from cells into urine)
Why does diabetic experience polydipsia? due to increased output and the massive fluid shift from cells to vascular space
(so much sugar in blood)
Why do diabetics experience polyphagia? insulin not bringing glucose into cell so cell eats proteins & fats for energy,
causing starvation mode & leads to increased appetite
Relating to reproductive system, men and women with men: erectile dysfunction
diabetes likely experience what? women: vaginal infections
What would the expected HA1C be for; diabetic: >6%
diabetic pre: 5.7-6%
prediabetic
Fasting blood sugar for; diabetic: >126
diabetic pre: 100-125
prediabetic
Hypoglycemia symptoms (6) (PHIL Seeks Sugar)
sweating
pallor
irritability
hunger
lack of coordination
sleepiness
, Hyperglycemia symptoms (6) dry mouth
increased thirst
weakness
headache
blurred vision
frequent urination
What is the primary treatment of type 1 diabetes? insulin!
(remember, not making their own or enough)
What is the onset of: rapid: 15 min (lispro/aspart/glulisine)
rapid acting insulin short: 30-60 min (regular)
short acting intermediate: 2-4 hr (NPH)
intermediate long: 1 hr (glargine/detemir)
long
When are patients at highest risk for hypoglycemia while peak level (usually when snacks are given to DM patients)
taking insulin?
What route can insulin NOT be given? orally
What blood sugar level is considered hypoglycemia? <65
How long does HgA1C measure blood glucose levels? 6 - 8 week window
Times that patients are recommended to increase their 1. when therapy has changed/initiated
accuchecks (aka BG monitoring) (3) 2. when ill/sick
3. hypoglycemic unaware (unable to recognize symptoms)
If diabetic patient exercises often, where should you abdominal
recommend injecting insulin? Why? better absorption rate
Hypoglycemia is most damaging to what body system? CNS
Why? relies solely on glucose for energy needs, if not getting glucose = cell death
What factors can precipitate hypoglycemia? (3) 1. decreased nutritional intake
2. increased metabolism d/t exercise
3. alcohol: reduces glucose levels by blunting glucose release from liver
How is hypoglycemia episode managed? (2) 1. oral glucose administration (any form of carb - not carb+fat)
2. Recheck BS 15min after
What are examples of appropriate oral glucose? (3) appropriate: juice, soda, bread/crackers
Inappropriate? (1) inappropriate: carb+fat like ice cream
What are the methods of administering glucose during 1st: oral glucose ( juice, etc.)
hypoglycemic episode? (3) 2nd: if cant swallow, IV 25-50mL of D50
3rd: no IV, 1mg IM glucagon
CLEARY) 2026 STUDY GUIDE |
PRACTICE QUESTIONS, ANSWERS
& RATIONALES
| GRADED A+ | GUARANTEED
SUCCESS
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales Included
,Starting with #1: eating carbohydrates, what are the 1. eat carbs
following steps? 2. converted & absorbed via GI tract
3. glucose travels in bloodstream to targeted cells
4. blood glucose levels are elevated, triggers beta cells in pancreas to release
insulin
5. insulin transports glucose across cell membrane
6. blood glucose levels now low, insulin stops secreting and alpha cells of
pancreas release glucagon
7. glucagon stimulates release of sugar from liver stores
insulin resistance vs deficiency resistance: can't cross cell wall
deficiency: not enough produced
type 1 vs type 2 diabetes type 1: produces no insulin at all (dx before 30, common with autoimmune
disorders)
type 2: insulin resistance
What BMI puts you at risk for type 2 DM? >25
What are the cardinal signs of diabetes? (3) the 3 P's
polyuria
polydipsia (excessive thirst)
polyphagia (excessive eating)
Why does diabetic experience polyuria? result of increased concentration of glucose in urine
(sugar attracts more water, pulls from cells into urine)
Why does diabetic experience polydipsia? due to increased output and the massive fluid shift from cells to vascular space
(so much sugar in blood)
Why do diabetics experience polyphagia? insulin not bringing glucose into cell so cell eats proteins & fats for energy,
causing starvation mode & leads to increased appetite
Relating to reproductive system, men and women with men: erectile dysfunction
diabetes likely experience what? women: vaginal infections
What would the expected HA1C be for; diabetic: >6%
diabetic pre: 5.7-6%
prediabetic
Fasting blood sugar for; diabetic: >126
diabetic pre: 100-125
prediabetic
Hypoglycemia symptoms (6) (PHIL Seeks Sugar)
sweating
pallor
irritability
hunger
lack of coordination
sleepiness
, Hyperglycemia symptoms (6) dry mouth
increased thirst
weakness
headache
blurred vision
frequent urination
What is the primary treatment of type 1 diabetes? insulin!
(remember, not making their own or enough)
What is the onset of: rapid: 15 min (lispro/aspart/glulisine)
rapid acting insulin short: 30-60 min (regular)
short acting intermediate: 2-4 hr (NPH)
intermediate long: 1 hr (glargine/detemir)
long
When are patients at highest risk for hypoglycemia while peak level (usually when snacks are given to DM patients)
taking insulin?
What route can insulin NOT be given? orally
What blood sugar level is considered hypoglycemia? <65
How long does HgA1C measure blood glucose levels? 6 - 8 week window
Times that patients are recommended to increase their 1. when therapy has changed/initiated
accuchecks (aka BG monitoring) (3) 2. when ill/sick
3. hypoglycemic unaware (unable to recognize symptoms)
If diabetic patient exercises often, where should you abdominal
recommend injecting insulin? Why? better absorption rate
Hypoglycemia is most damaging to what body system? CNS
Why? relies solely on glucose for energy needs, if not getting glucose = cell death
What factors can precipitate hypoglycemia? (3) 1. decreased nutritional intake
2. increased metabolism d/t exercise
3. alcohol: reduces glucose levels by blunting glucose release from liver
How is hypoglycemia episode managed? (2) 1. oral glucose administration (any form of carb - not carb+fat)
2. Recheck BS 15min after
What are examples of appropriate oral glucose? (3) appropriate: juice, soda, bread/crackers
Inappropriate? (1) inappropriate: carb+fat like ice cream
What are the methods of administering glucose during 1st: oral glucose ( juice, etc.)
hypoglycemic episode? (3) 2nd: if cant swallow, IV 25-50mL of D50
3rd: no IV, 1mg IM glucagon
