A patient with Bell's palsy asks the nurse why she has to wear an eye shield at night. What would be the nurse's best response?
A) A patient with Bell's palsy often can't close the eye, which causes insomnia.
B) A patient with Bell's palsy needs an eye shield at night to prevent injury to the eye.
C) A patient with Bell's palsy can't blink, so the eye shield keeps the eye moist.
D) A patient with Bell's palsy needs extra coverage for their eye.
Question 2
A patient who is currently in the hospital recovering from orthopedic surgery has always considered herself to be a borderline diabetic who prides herself on maintaining acceptable blood glucose levels through diet and lifestyle modifications.
Consequently, she is surprised that her primary care provider has ordered a sliding scale of insulin while she is in the hospital. Why might this patient require insulin at this particular time?
A) Fluid and electrolyte changes surrounding surgery may increase her blood sugar levels.
B) Immobility may cause decreased thyroid hormone levels, decreased metabolic demand, and consequent increased blood sugar.
C) The stress of hospitalization and surgery may cause increased release of glucocorticoids.
D) The action of anesthetic may temporarily blunt the normal release of endogenous insulin by the patient's pancreas.