Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
17. If a client's blood sugar is lowered too rapidly, for what manifestation or dangerous outcome should a nurse observe?
Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
17. If a client's blood sugar is lowered too rapidly, for what manifestation or dangerous outcome should a nurse observe?
Test-Taking Tip
Sugar moves back into the cell. Look for an option that involves an effect on the cell (cerebral cells).
Content Area: Adult Health, Endocrine; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Assessment; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Physiological Adaptation/Pathophysiology
Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
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Answer 1 is incorrect because sugar in the urine would decrease as the blood sugar came down. Answer 2 is incorrect because, as insulin takes sugar into the cell, it carries potassium with it. Hypokalemia is a risk of treating high blood sugar. Answer 3 is incorrect because clients with high blood sugars are generally very dehydrated and require fluids. If blood sugar was reduced too quickly, the blood pressure could potentially drop if fluid resuscitation was inadequate. Answer 4 is correct because sugar adds to the osmolarity of the blood. Lowering the sugar level too fast makes the intracellular osmolarity relatively higher than that in the bloodstream. Water will move from areas of low concentration to areas of high concentration, swelling the cells and resulting in confusion or change in level of consciousness. If this happens in the brain it could have life-threatening consequences.
