Diabetes NCLEX style questions
What is the mechanism that results in Kussmaul respiration? - correct answer-To
compensate for metabolic acidosis, the respiration are deep and rapid
Classic clinical manifestations of diabetes - correct answer-Three Ps polyuria, polydipsia,
and polyphagia
The nurse is caring for a patient with a diagnosis of diabetes. The nurse notes the patient's
toenails are thick and ingrown. Which instruction should the nurse provide?
1. Soak feet in Epsom salts daily.
2. Use a clean, sharp razor blade to trim the toenails.
3. Make an appointment with a foot care specialist.
4. Trim nails to follow the curve of the toe. - correct answer-Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Soaking of the feet is not advisable.
Rationale 2: Sharp instruments or razor blades should never be used to self-treat foot
problems.
Rationale 3: The toenails of the patient with diabetes require careful attention. Problems
should be addressed by a foot care specialist.
A diabetic patient complains of frequent corns and asks for information about managing the
condition. What is the nurse's best response?
1. "Make sure you select shoes that fit correctly."
2. "You can use corn pads to gradually remove the growths."
3. "Corns are best treated by shaving them off."
4. "Apply a generous amount of emollient lotion on and between the toes twice daily." -
correct answer-Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Corns can be prevented by wearing correctly fitting shoes.
Rationale 2: Corn pads are not an option for the diabetic patient.
Rationale 3: Shaving treatments to remove corns are not an option for the diabetic patient.
Rationale 4: Lotion between the toes should ALWAYS be avoided.
, The nurse recognizes that which factor in a patient's history increases the risk for type 2
diabetes mellitus (DM)?
1. Body mass index of 23
2. Blood pressure of 130/80
3. Physical inactivity - correct answer-Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Having a body mass index over 25 increases the risk of developing type 2 DM.
Rationale 2: Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or above places the patient at risk for type 2
DM.
Rationale 3: Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for type 2 DM.
The nurse is caring for a patient with no history of diabetes who has a new laboratory finding
of a glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) level of 6.0%. Which nursing diagnoses should receive
priority for this patient?
1. Deficient Knowledge regarding disease process
2. Risk for Deficient Fluid Volume
3. Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity
4. Ineffective Tissue Perfusion - correct answer-Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: The normal range of hemoglobin A1C is 2% to 5% for a nondiabetic. This
patient's level is elevated, so the patient may have prediabetes or diabetes. The nurse's
priority is to ensure the patient obtains the information necessary to make healthful lifestyle
choices.
The nurse is preparing patients newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) for discharge
from an acute care facility. What should the nurse include in patient teaching regarding
medications to treat DM?
1. Patients with type 1 diabetes may achieve normal blood glucose levels with oral
medications.
2. Type 1 diabetes may progress to type 2 if blood glucose levels are not well controlled.
3. Patients with type 1 diabetes will always need an exogenous source of insulin.
4. Patients with type 2 diabetes generally need a combination of oral medications and insulin
to achieve normal blood glucose levels. - correct answer-Correct Answer: 3
What is the mechanism that results in Kussmaul respiration? - correct answer-To
compensate for metabolic acidosis, the respiration are deep and rapid
Classic clinical manifestations of diabetes - correct answer-Three Ps polyuria, polydipsia,
and polyphagia
The nurse is caring for a patient with a diagnosis of diabetes. The nurse notes the patient's
toenails are thick and ingrown. Which instruction should the nurse provide?
1. Soak feet in Epsom salts daily.
2. Use a clean, sharp razor blade to trim the toenails.
3. Make an appointment with a foot care specialist.
4. Trim nails to follow the curve of the toe. - correct answer-Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Soaking of the feet is not advisable.
Rationale 2: Sharp instruments or razor blades should never be used to self-treat foot
problems.
Rationale 3: The toenails of the patient with diabetes require careful attention. Problems
should be addressed by a foot care specialist.
A diabetic patient complains of frequent corns and asks for information about managing the
condition. What is the nurse's best response?
1. "Make sure you select shoes that fit correctly."
2. "You can use corn pads to gradually remove the growths."
3. "Corns are best treated by shaving them off."
4. "Apply a generous amount of emollient lotion on and between the toes twice daily." -
correct answer-Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Corns can be prevented by wearing correctly fitting shoes.
Rationale 2: Corn pads are not an option for the diabetic patient.
Rationale 3: Shaving treatments to remove corns are not an option for the diabetic patient.
Rationale 4: Lotion between the toes should ALWAYS be avoided.
, The nurse recognizes that which factor in a patient's history increases the risk for type 2
diabetes mellitus (DM)?
1. Body mass index of 23
2. Blood pressure of 130/80
3. Physical inactivity - correct answer-Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Having a body mass index over 25 increases the risk of developing type 2 DM.
Rationale 2: Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or above places the patient at risk for type 2
DM.
Rationale 3: Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for type 2 DM.
The nurse is caring for a patient with no history of diabetes who has a new laboratory finding
of a glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) level of 6.0%. Which nursing diagnoses should receive
priority for this patient?
1. Deficient Knowledge regarding disease process
2. Risk for Deficient Fluid Volume
3. Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity
4. Ineffective Tissue Perfusion - correct answer-Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: The normal range of hemoglobin A1C is 2% to 5% for a nondiabetic. This
patient's level is elevated, so the patient may have prediabetes or diabetes. The nurse's
priority is to ensure the patient obtains the information necessary to make healthful lifestyle
choices.
The nurse is preparing patients newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) for discharge
from an acute care facility. What should the nurse include in patient teaching regarding
medications to treat DM?
1. Patients with type 1 diabetes may achieve normal blood glucose levels with oral
medications.
2. Type 1 diabetes may progress to type 2 if blood glucose levels are not well controlled.
3. Patients with type 1 diabetes will always need an exogenous source of insulin.
4. Patients with type 2 diabetes generally need a combination of oral medications and insulin
to achieve normal blood glucose levels. - correct answer-Correct Answer: 3
