Insulin is a hormone made by the beta cells of the pancreas in the islets of Langerhans. Normally insulin is released continually into the bloodstream in small amounts and increases release when food is eaten

DIABETES MELLITUS (DM)

Diabetes mellitus (DM), commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic multisystem disease of impaired glucose metabolism caused by abnormal insulin production and/or poor use of the available insulin

Normal Glucose & Insulin Metabolism

Cells break down glucose to make energy. Liver and muscle cells store excess glucose as glycogen. Blood glucose levels rise > insulin released from the pancreas > binds to glucose receptors in cell wall Blood glucose levels low > glucagon released from pancreas > liver releases glycogen (glucose)

Endogenous Insulin – insulin made inside the body
Dawn Phenomenon – hyperglycemia upon morning awakening
Exogenous Insulin – insulin from outside body
Somogyi Phenomenon – hyperglycemia occurring about 2 -3 a.m

Prediabetes

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or both. A stage between normal glucose homeostasis and diabetes. Blood glucose levels are elevated but not high enough to meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes.

Diagnosis
Signs & Symptoms
  • 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) values are 140 to 199 mg/dL
  • Fasting blood glucose levels are 100 to 125 mg/dL

Asymptomatic, however, long-term damage to the body, especially the heart and blood vessels, may already be occurring

Gestational Diabetes

Placental hormones counteract insulin resulting in glucose intolerance during pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes have a higher risk for cesarean delivery, and their babies have increased risk for perinatal death, birth injury, and neonatal complications. Most women with gestational diabetes have normal glucose levels within 6 weeks postpartum

Risk Factors
  • Obesity
  • Advanced age
  • Family history of diabetes
Patient Education

Monitor for symptoms of diabetes

  • Fatigue
  • Frequent infections
  • Slow-healing wounds
  • A1C checked regularly
  • Maintain healthy weight
  • Regular exercise
  • Healthy diet

NCLEX Lab Values Practice Questions # 01

NCLEX Lab Values Practice Questions # 01

1 / 10

A client's lab results show a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 25 mg/dL and a creatinine level of 1.8 mg/dL. What do these findings suggest?

2 / 10

A client’s lab results indicate a white blood cell (WBC) count of 15,000/mm³. What might this lab value suggest?

3 / 10

The nurse notes that a client's platelet count is 90,000/µL. Which is the most appropriate intervention?

4 / 10

A client's laboratory results show a fasting blood glucose level of 130 mg/dL. What condition does this value indicate?

5 / 10

The nurse is assessing a client with a calcium level of 6.5 mg/dL. Which symptom should the nurse expect to find?

6 / 10

A client has an INR of 4.5 while on warfarin therapy. Which action should the nurse take?

7 / 10

A client’s complete blood count (CBC) shows a hemoglobin level of 7.8 g/dL. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse anticipate?

8 / 10

The nurse is reviewing the lab results of a client with pancreatitis. Which of the following serum amylase levels is consistent with this diagnosis?

9 / 10

A client’s laboratory results show a serum sodium level of 128 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

10 / 10

A client with chronic kidney disease has a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which action should the nurse take first?

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