6 Integrated Endocrine Nursing Practice Free Online FlashCards

What is the priority for severe hypoglycemia when a patient cannot swallow safely?

Use the hypoglycemia protocol for severe hypoglycemia, such as glucagon or IV dextrose. Reassess the patient and glucose afterward.

What should the nurse do if mealtime insulin is due but the meal is delayed?

Clarify the dose and meal plan, assess glucose, and follow orders or protocol. Prandial insulin should be coordinated with food intake.

Should a person with type 1 diabetes stop basal insulin when illness prevents eating?

Do not independently stop basal insulin. People with type 1 diabetes generally still need it when they are not eating.

In suspected DKA, what takes priority when potassium is below $3.5$ mmol/L?

With potassium below $3.5$ mmol/L, delay insulin and promptly notify the treating team so potassium can be replaced under protocol. Insulin can lower serum potassium further.

What sick-day actions help reduce risk for a person with type 1 diabetes?

Check glucose more often and check ketones as instructed. Contact the care team for persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, or worsening symptoms.

What is the priority response to suspected HHS with confusion and severe dehydration?

Arrange urgent emergency evaluation and anticipate close monitoring and IV fluid treatment. Confusion and severe dehydration with marked hyperglycemia may indicate HHS.

How should a patient take levothyroxine to support reliable absorption?

Take levothyroxine consistently on an empty stomach with water. Separate it from calcium or iron as directed because these can interfere with absorption.

What should a patient taking methimazole do about fever and sore throat?

Promptly contact the prescriber for urgent assessment. Fever and sore throat may signal a serious reduction in white blood cells; obtain guidance about the next dose.

What is the priority for rapidly increasing neck swelling and breathing difficulty after thyroidectomy?

Treat it as an airway emergency and activate the appropriate emergency response immediately. Rapid swelling may signal a compressive postoperative bleed.

What can tingling around the mouth or fingers indicate after thyroid surgery?

Tingling around the mouth or in the fingers can indicate hypocalcemia after thyroid surgery. Assess and promptly report the symptoms.

What is the priority when hyperthyroidism is accompanied by high fever, tachycardia, and confusion?

Arrange emergency care and continuous monitoring. High fever, marked tachycardia, and altered mental status in hyperthyroidism suggest life-threatening thyroid storm.

How should vomiting, hypotension, weakness, and confusion in adrenal insufficiency be treated?

Treat as a possible adrenal crisis: activate urgent care, support circulation, and anticipate parenteral glucocorticoids and IV fluids. Do not delay treatment for test results when crisis is suspected.