Correct Answers 2025-2026 Updated.
The nurse instructs a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus to avoid which of the following drugs
while taking insulin?
a.
Furosemide (Lasix)
b.
Dicumarol (Bishydroxycoumarin)
c.
Reserpine (Serpasil)
d.
Cimetidine (Tagamet) - Answer ANS: A
Furosemide is a loop diuretic and can increase serum glucose levels; its use is contraindicated
with insulin. Dicumarol, an anticoagulant; reserpine, an anti-hypertensive; and cimetidine, an
H2 receptor antagonist, do not affect blood glucose levels.
When a diabetic patient asks about maintaining adequate blood glucose levels, which of the
following statements by the nurse relates most directly to the necessity of maintaining blood
glucose levels no lower than about 74 mg/dL?
a.
"Glucose is the only type of fuel used by body cells to produce the energy needed for
physiologic activity."
b.
"The central nervous system cannot store glucose and needs a continuous supply of glucose for
fuel."
c.
"Without a minimum level of glucose circulating in the blood, erythrocytes cannot produce
ATP."
d.
"The presence of glucose in the blood counteracts the formation of lactic acid and prevents
acidosis." - Answer ANS: B
The brain cannot synthesize or store significant amounts of glucose; thus a continuous supply
from the body's circulation is needed to meet the fuel demands of the central nervous system.
The nurse associates which assessment finding in the diabetic patient with decreasing renal
function?
a.
,Ketone bodies in the urine during acidosis
b.
Glucose in the urine during hyperglycemia
c.
Protein in the urine during a random urinalysis
d.
White blood cells in the urine during a random urinalysis - Answer ANS: C
Urine should not contain protein. Proteinuria in a diabetic heralds the beginning of renal
insufficiency or diabetic nephropathy with subsequent progression to end stage renal disease.
Chronic elevated blood glucose levels can cause renal hypertension and excess kidney perfusion
with leakage from the renal vasculature. This leaking allows protein to be filtered into the urine.
What is the nurse's best response about developing diabetes to the patient whose father has
type 1 diabetes mellitus?
a.
"You have a greater susceptibility for development of the disease because of your family
history."
b.
"Your risk is the same as the general population, because there is no genetic risk for
development of type 1 diabetes."
c.
"Type 1 diabetes is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. Therefore the risk for becoming
diabetic is 50%."
d.
"Because you are a woman and your father is the parent with diabetes, your risk is not
increased for eventual development of the disease. However, your brothers will become
diabetic." - Answer ANS: A
Even though type 1 diabetes does not follow a specific genetic pattern of inheritance, those
with one parent with type 1 diabetes are at an increased risk for development of the disease.
The nurse recognizes which patient as having the greatest risk for undiagnosed diabetes
mellitus?
a.
Young white man
b.
Middle-aged African-American man
c.
Young African-American woman
,d.
Middle-aged Native American woman - Answer ANS: D
The highest incidence of diabetes in the United States occurs in Native Americans. With age, the
incidence of diabetes increases in all races and ethnic groups.
A diabetic patient is brought into the emergency department unresponsive. The arterial pH is
7.28. Besides the blood pH, which clinical manifestation is seen in uncontrolled diabetes
mellitus and ketoacidosis?
a.
Decreased hunger sensation
b.
Report of no urine output
c.
Increased respiratory rate
d.
Decreased thirst - Answer ANS: C
Ketoacidosis decreases the pH of the blood, stimulating the respiratory control area of the brain
to buffer the effects of the increasing acidosis. The rate and depth of respirations are increased
(Kussmaul's respirations) to excrete more acids by exhalation. Usually polydipsia (increased
thirst), polyphagia (increased hunger), and polyuria (increased urine output) are seen with
hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis.
Which of the following would be included in the assessment of a patient with diabetes mellitus
who is experiencing a hypoglycemic reaction? (Select all that apply.)
a.
Tremors
b.
Nervousness
c.
Extreme thirst
d.
Flushed skin
e.
Profuse perspiration
f.
Constricted pupils - Answer ANS: A, B, E
When hypoglycemia occurs, blood glucose levels fall, resulting in sympathetic nervous system
responses such as tremors, nervousness, and profuse perspiration. Dilated pupils would also
, occur, not constricted pupils. Extreme thirst, flushed skin, and constricted pupils are consistent
with hyperglycemia.
A 22-year-old patient is being seen in the clinic with increased secretion of the anterior pituitary
hormones. The nurse would expect the laboratory results to show
a.
increased urinary cortisol.
b.
decreased serum thyroxine.
c.
elevated serum aldosterone levels.
d.
low urinary catecholamines excretion. - Answer ANS: A
Increased secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by the anterior pituitary gland will
lead to an increase in serum and urinary cortisol levels. An increase, rather than a decrease, in
thyroxine level would be expected with increased secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone
(TSH) by the anterior pituitary. Aldosterone and catecholamine levels are not controlled by the
anterior pituitary.
Which statement by a 50-year-old female patient indicates to the nurse that further assessment
of thyroid function may be necessary?
a.
"I notice my breasts are tender lately."
b.
"I am so thirsty that I drink all day long."
c.
"I get up several times at night to urinate."
d.
"I feel a lump in my throat when I swallow." - Answer ANS: D
Difficulty in swallowing can occur with a goiter. Nocturia is associated with diseases such as
diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, or chronic kidney disease. Breast tenderness would occur
with excessive gonadal hormone levels. Thirst is a sign of disease such as diabetes.
A 30-year-old patient seen in the emergency department for severe headache and acute
confusion is found to have a serum sodium level of 118 mEq/L. The nurse will anticipate the
need for which diagnostic test?
a.
Urinary 17-ketosteroids