A 16-year-old young woman is admitted to the critical care unit ...

[karen]

A 16-year-old young woman is admitted to the critical care unit with severe hyperglycemia caused by new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus. The patient is complaining of headache and blurred vision. The nurse knows that these are signs that may indicate
 
  a. kidney stones.
  b. diabetes insipidus.
  c. hypoglycemia.
  d. hyperglycemia.

Question 2

Verification of feeding tube placement includes
 
  a. auscultation for position.
  b. aspiration of stomach contents.
  c. x-ray study for confirmation.
  d. gastric pH measurement.

[emily12345]

Answer to Question 1

D
Because severe hyperglycemia affects a variety of body systems, all systems are assessed. The patient may complain of blurred vision, headache, weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, anorexia, nausea, and abdominal pain.

Answer to Question 2

C
The traditional practice of confirming placement by auscultating air inserted through the tube over the epigastrium is not reliable and is not recommended. Aspiration of stomach contents and gastric pH measurement are also not recommended. If there is any doubt as to the tube's position, a repeat radiograph should be obtained.