10 Diabetes NCLEX Questions

For answers, see the link at the bottom of the page.

Question 1
The nurse is caring for a client who has normal glucose levels at
bedtime, hypoglycemia at 2am and hyperglycemia in the morning.
What is this client likely experiencing?
Answers:
A. Dawn phenomenon
B. Somogyi effect
C. An insulin spike
D. Excessive corticosteroids
Question 2
The nurse is caring for a patient whose blood glucose level is
55mg/dL. What is the likely nursing response?
Answers:
A. Administer a glucagon injection
B. Give a small meal
C. Administer 10-15 grams of a carbohydrate
D. Give a small snack of high protein food
Question 3
What insulin type can be given by IV? Select all that apply:
Answers:
A. Glipizide (Glucotrol)
B. Lispro (Humalog)
C. NPH insulin
D. Glargine (Lantus)
E. Regular insulin
Question 4
A client with type II diabetes is being educated about what to do if
he catches the flu or a cold. What is something he should be
informed of?
Answers:
A. Discontinue Metformin (glucophage)
B. Expect hyperglycemia
C. Add 2-3 more snacks to diet
D. Come into the hospital for monitoring
Question 5
In educating a client about Type II Diabetes, what would be a
proper explanation for poor wound healing?
Answers:
A. High blood glucose damages capillaries
B. Swings in blood sugar prevent proper clotting
C. The pancreas fails to secrete the proper chemicals
D. Ketosis prevents proper healing
Question 6
When does regular insulin generally have peak action after
application?
Answers:
A. 30-45 minutes
B. 45-60 minutes
C. 1-2 hours
D. 2-3 hours
Question 7
In educating a client with diabetes, what response would reveal
need for further education?
Answers:
A. I should avoid tights
B. I should take good care of my toe nails
C. I should not go more than 3 days without washing my feet
D. I should avoid going barefoot and should wear clean socks
Question 8
A client with diabetes and coronary heart disease is being
evaluated for treatment. In light of the heart condition, which
medication option is more likely to be an issue?
Answers:
A. Metformin (Glucophage)
B. Pioglitazone (Actos)
C. Insulin
D. Sitagliptin (Januvia)
Question 9
What is NOT true of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic
syndrome (HHNS) compared to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
Answers:
A. HHNS is found mainly in Type II Diabetes
B. Both have high levels of hyperglycemia
C. Both typically are treated with insulin
D. In HHNS, blood pH tends to drop
Question 10
Insulin lipodystrophy should be treated in part by:
Answers:
A. Alternating insulin injection sites
B. Balancing diet and snack routine
C. Reduction of insulin dose
D. Adding an oral glycemic medication


Here are the answers to the sample questions. If anything
seems fishy, so to speak, please let me know!
1. B
The Somogyi effect is when blood sugar drops too low in the
morning causing rebound hyperglycemia in the morning.
The hypoglycemia at 2am is highly indicative. The Dawn
phenomenon is similar but would not have the hypoglycemia
at 2am.
2. C
The client has low hypoglycemia. This is generally treated
with a small snack.
3. E
The only insulin that can be given by IV is regular insulin.
4. B
The body's natural reaction to illness is to release glucose.
As such, diabetics can expect to face increased
hyperglycemia in addition to their illness.
5. A
High blood glucose damages capillaries which prevent
proper healing.
6. D
The exact details depend on various factors, but 2-3 hours
for peak action of regular insulin is an accepted range.
7. C
The recommended self-care routine is to wash feet on a
daily basis without soaking and carefully cleaning.
8. B
Cardiac safety of diabetes meds is a very complex subject.
That said, pioglitazone is known to possibly have issues.
9. D
In HHNS, you tend to avoid the decrease in pH and ketosis
(hence nonketotic) that often occurs in diabetic ketoacidosis.
Remember that the two are very similar otherwise.
10. A
Alternating insulin injection sites helps avoid lipodystrophy,
which is a lump or dent in the skin that can be caused by
using the same site for injections.