Nursing Pharmacology Chapter 5

Which of the following, if exhibited in the client, would indicate hyperglycemia and warrant physician notification?

Which of the following signs is associated with hypoglycemia?

Which of the following symptoms suggests acetaminophen toxicity?

Which of the following nursing actions is most important in the care of a cancer patient receiving subcutaneous morphine sulfate for pain?

What is the life span of red blood cells (RBC) in the body?

What should the nurse do if they notice a clumpy precipitate inside the NPH insulin vial?

A nurse should refer a patient with type 2 diabetes and an HbA1c result of 10% to a diabetic educator because:

At 5 PM, a patient on NPH insulin develops hunger, shakiness, and sweating. At what time was the NPH insulin likely injected?

A patient taking glipizide and a beta-adrenergic medication should be informed that which of these symptoms may not occur during hypoglycemia?

Diabetes Mellitus Complications

Hyperglycemia symptoms: classic signs include polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia.
In cases of hyperglycemia, polyuria indicates the need for physician notification.

Hypoglycemia Signs

Early symptom of hypoglycemia: Tremulousness (shakiness).
Incorrect options for hypoglycemia: Slow pulse, Nausea, Flushed skin (these indicate hyperglycemia).

Acetaminophen Toxicity

High doses can cause severe liver damage; monitor liver function critically.
N-acetylcysteine is the antidote for acetaminophen toxicity.
Tinnitus is a sign of aspirin overdose, not related to acetaminophen.

Morphine Sulfate Administration

Most critical nursing action: monitor respiratory rate due to potential respiratory depression.
Morphine sulfate largely does not affect urine output, heart rate, or temperature significantly.

Red Blood Cell Lifespan

Red blood cells (RBCs) have a lifespan of approximately 120 days in the body.

NPH Insulin Inspection

Always inspect insulin vials prior to use; clumping indicates compromised potency and insulin damage.
Discard any affected vial and draw from a new one if clumps are observed.

Diabetic Education Referral

A glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of 10% indicates poor glycemic control; referral to a diabetic educator is necessary.

NPH Insulin and Hypoglycemia Timing

Symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as shaking and sweating, can arise about 8 to 10 hours post-NPH insulin injection.
In this case, symptoms at 5 PM relate back to the 8 AM NPH injection.

Glipizide and Beta-Blockers

Patient taking glipizide should be educated on hypoglycemia awareness.
Tachycardia may not occur due to the beta-adrenergic medication, masking signs of hypoglycemia.

This quiz covers critical topics in nursing pharmacology related to diabetes complications, hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia signs, acetaminophen toxicity, morphine sulfate administration, and red blood cell lifespan. Test your knowledge on essential nursing actions and drug interactions to enhance patient care.