Author Question: Which fasting blood glucose level indicates to the nurse that the antidiabetic drug that has been ... (Read 67 times)

crazycityslicker · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

Which fasting blood glucose level indicates to the nurse that the antidiabetic drug that has been prescribed for a patient with type 2 diabetes is effective at maintaining target blood glucose levels?

a. 40 mg/dL
b. 80 mg/dL
c. 120 mg/dL
d. 160 mg/dL

Question 2

A patient who has been taking metformin (Glucophage) for a year is seen in the clinic and has all of the following laboratory results. Which result does the nurse report to the prescriber immediately?

a. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 38 mg/dL
b. Red blood cell (RBC) count 4.1 million/mm3
c. Random blood glucose level 135 mg/dL
d. Alkaline phosphatase 40 international units per liter

InfiniteSteez · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
The most common target range of fasting blood glucose levels for a patient with type 2 diabetes is 70 to 110 mg/dL. The 40-mg level represents hypoglycemia, which is not the intention of therapy and can cause neurologic problems. Levels of 120 and 160 are considered hyperglycemia.

Answer to Question 2

A
BUN levels are one measure of kidney health. The normal range is 10 to 20 mg/dL. An elevated BUN may indicate kidney problems or dehydration. Metformin can cause kidney problems, and the risk for lactic acidosis is increased in any patient taking metformin who has impairment of kidney function. The prescriber must be aware of the situation and explore the possibility of kidney impairment further. The drug may need to be changed to a different class of antidiabetic drug.