Deck 17: Diabetes Mellitus

Question 1

Which of the following laboratory results is a goal for reducing a person's risk for diabetes and heart disease?

A) Triglycerides over 1.69 mmol/L (150 mg/dL)
B) Cholesterol over 5.18 mmol/L (200 mg/dL)
C) High-density lipoprotein under 1.03 mmol/L (40 mg/dL)
D) Fasting blood glucose under 6.11 mmol/L (110 mg/dL)

Answer 1

Fasting blood glucose under 6.11 mmol/L (110 mg/dL)

Question 2

The nurse assists an older male adult with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve his glucose control. What does the nurse instruct this individual to do when he plans to walk more than usual in one day?

A) Omit antidiabetic medication.
B) Wear sturdy open-toed shoes.
C) Supplement his caloric intake.
D) Prepare to administer insulin.

Answer 2

Supplement his caloric intake.

Question 3

Which one of the following is the most important goal when planning nursing care for an older patient with diabetes mellitus?

A) Stabilize the serum glucose.
B) Prevent disease progression.
C) Set walking distance goals.
D) Plan for consistent exercise.

Answer 3

Prevent disease progression.

Question 4

An older male adult with diabetes mellitus complains to the nurse that his feet feel like they are burning. What should the nurse recommend to this older adult to improve his discomfort?

A) Well-fitting leather shoes
B) Knee-high nylon stockings
C) Soaking feet in warm water
D) Antifungal powder on feet

Question 5

An older male adult comes to a primary care setting, and his reason for seeking health care is to get a prescription for sildenafil (Viagra). Which laboratory report can help to explain why this individual needs sildenafil?

A) Serum potassium 4.5 mEq/L
B) Prothrombin time 13 seconds
C) Hemoglobin 140-180 g/L (14.0-18.0 g/dL)
D) Glycosylated hemoglobin (Hgb A1c) over 8%

Question 6

Which of the following is a true statement about diabetes mellitus?

A) Type 2 diabetes results from a failure of the pancreas to produce insulin.
B) Diabetes is diagnosed after two fasting plasma glucose readings over 5.6-6.9 mmol/L (125 mg/dL).
C) Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is another name for type 1 diabetes.
D) The incidence of diabetes mellitus does not increase with age.

Question 7

Which comorbidity commonly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus enhances the development of the microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus?

A) Dyslipidemia
B) Hypothyroidism
C) Venous insufficiency
D) Chronic constipation

Question 8

An older female adult who has diabetes mellitus takes glipizide (Glucotrol) and tells the nurse that her blood sugars have been higher than normal since she began using a vaginal cream for hot flashes. Which one of the following interventions is the best one for the nurse to implement?

A) Ask if she had a fever or infection recently.
B) Verify the expiration date of the medication.
C) Review her diet for increased carbohydrates.
D) Ascertain if the vaginal cream contains estrogen.

Question 9

An older adult with type 2 diabetes mellitus has a sensory impairment and unstable blood sugars. Which alteration in sensory function does the nurse address in the plan of care for stabilizing his blood sugar?

A) The older adult requires reading glasses at 2.0 strength.
B) The older adult has difficulty hearing in crowded rooms.
C) The older adult enjoys spicy food more than bland food.
D) The older adult awakens with periodic left-foot numbness.

Question 10

Gerontological nurses have an important educational role in the treatment of diabetes, and must advocate for and encourage older adults to obtain care that can delay or minimize complications. Hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome is a metabolic complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). What signs should the nurse be aware of when planning care for an older adult who has DM and may develop this syndrome?

A) Auditory impairments that can cause difficulty hearing instructions
B) A decline in the patient's visual acuity
C) Altered ability to recognize hunger and thirst
D) Changes in hepatic or renal function