A mother caring for a school-age child with type 1 diabetes mellitus is frantic because the child self-administered 15 units of regular insulin instead of the prescribed 5 units before breakfast this morning

Question

What should the nurse instruct the mother to do at this time? (Select all that apply.) A) Observe for nervousness, weakness, dizziness, or sweating.
B) Determine if the child is experiencing extreme hunger and thirst.
C) Determine if the child is irritable or demonstrating stubbornness.
D) Provide the child with a half-glass of orange juice or regular soda.
E) Rub a small amount of honey on the child's gums and inside of the cheek.

Answer 1

A, C, D, E
Feedback:
Symptoms of hypoglycemia occur when the blood glucose level falls to about 60 mg/dl and results from the administration of too much insulin. Beginning symptoms include nervousness, weakness, dizziness, or sweating. In many children, the first signs of hypoglycemia are behavior problems such as stubbornness and irritability. When the signs of hypoglycemia are recognized, a child needs an immediate source of carbohydrate such as a half glass of orange juice or regular soda. If the child is comatose when first discovered or is too upset or uncooperative to take oral sugar, parents can rub glucose onto the gums or inside the cheek by using honey or other sweet substance. Extreme hunger and thirst are manifestations of hyperglycemia or an inadequate amount of insulin.