End
1 :

The client is a 26-year-old female with acute appendicitis. She has a 12-year history of type 1 diabetes and no other significant medical history. The appendectomy was completed without issue, and the client will be admitted to the surgical floor to recover.

0730

Admitted the client. She is awake and alert. She rates her pain 2/10. Her pulses are equal bilaterally. Heart rate is 76 beats per minute, normal sinus rhythm. Her oxygen saturation is 100% on room air. She has a gauze dressing over her surgical site, which is clean and dry. Her temperature is 98.5° F (37° C). She urinated 50 ml upon arrival in the unit and is stating she is very thirsty. The patient states her last insulin glargine dose was this morning before surgery.

0745

  1. 2 units insulin lispro given 1800
  2. 12 units insulin glargine given
  3. The client ate 45 carbohydrates from her dinner tray. 3 units of insulin lispro given.

 

  1. Admit to the surgical floor
  2. Dextrose 5% and 0.9% sodium chloride to infuse at 125 mL/hr
  3. Advance diet as tolerated
  4. Insulin glargine 12 units subcutaneous every 12 hours
  5. Ceftriaxone 2 g IV every 24 hours for 3 days, first dose given in surgery
  6. Insulin lispro 1 unit subcutaneously per 15 carbohydrates

The nurse is preparing the client for discharge and discussing home medications. What home medications may affect the amount of insulin needed by the client? Select all that apply.


Answer Options

Hint : Some drugs raise blood sugar or lower insulin sensitivity.

Correct Answers:

  • Corticosteroids
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Epinephrine


Rationale :

B. Corticosteroids

🟣 Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) increase hepatic gluconeogenesis and decrease insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, leading to hyperglycemia.

🟣 These medications raise blood glucose levels, often necessitating an increase in basal and prandial insulin doses.

🟣 This effect is especially significant in clients with type 1 diabetes, where exogenous insulin is required to prevent ketoacidosis.

🟣 Close monitoring of glucose levels is essential when a client is placed on corticosteroids, even temporarily.

D. Oral contraceptives

🟡 Oral contraceptives contain estrogen and/or progesterone, which can cause insulin resistance over time.

🟡 These hormones affect glucose metabolism by increasing circulating glucose and potentially impairing glucose tolerance.

🟡 Women with diabetes taking oral contraceptives may require adjustments to insulin regimens, especially if glycemic control worsens.

🟡 Monitoring hemoglobin A1c and fasting glucose can help guide any required changes in insulin dosing.

E. Epinephrine

🔵 Epinephrine, a stress hormone, promotes glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, both of which raise blood sugar levels rapidly.

🔵 It also inhibits insulin secretion and increases insulin resistance, requiring additional insulin to maintain euglycemia.

🔵 In emergency settings or for chronic use (e.g., asthma inhalers), this effect is significant for type 1 diabetic clients.

🔵 Blood glucose should be closely monitored if epinephrine is used, especially during periods of physical or emotional stress.


Distractor Analysis :

Rationale for Incorrect Options to be Available Soon

QLexNursing Calculator Click & Drag ×
AC
(
)
CE
π
e
φ
τ
Inv
sin-1
cos-1
tan-1
log
ln
!
deg
√
x²
x³
^
7
8
9
÷
4
5
6
×
1
2
3
-
0
.
exp
+
Rnd
Ans
=