A 78-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes is brought to the emergency department by his daughter. The patient is found to have a blood glucose level of 623 mg/dL.
The patient's daughter reports that the patient recently had a gastrointestinal virus and has been confused for the last 3 hours. A diagnosis of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS) is made. What nursing action would be the priority?
A) Administering antihypertensive medications
B) Administering sodium bicarbonate intravenously for low bicarbonate levels
C) Reversing acidosis by administering insulin
D) Replacing fluids and electrolytes
Question 2
A newly admitted patient with type 1 diabetes asks the nurse what caused her diabetes. In response, the nurse is explaining to the patient the etiology of type 1 diabetes. Which of the following is the most appropriate explanation by the nurse?
A) The tissues in your body are resistant to the action of insulin, making insulin less effective.
B) An acidic substance forms when your liver breaks down fatty acids because of the lack of insulin in your body.
C) The secretion of placental hormones is causing your body to be resistant to insulin.
D) Destruction of special cells in the pancreas causes a decrease in insulin production, and the level of sugar in your bloodstream increases.