Question

A patient with type 2 diabetes achieves adequate glycemic control through diet and exercise. Upon being admitted to the hospital for a cholecystectomy, however, the patient has required insulin injections on two occasions. The nurse would identify what likely cause for this short-term change in treatment?

A) Alterations in bile metabolism and release have likely caused hyperglycemia.
B) Stress has likely caused an increase in the patient's blood sugar levels.
C) The patient has likely overestimated her ability to control her diabetes using nonpharmacologic measures.
D) The patient's volatile fluid balance surrounding surgery has likely caused unstable blood sugars.

Answer 1

B) Stress has likely caused an increase in the patient's blood sugar levels. The likely cause for the temporary change in treatment is stress-induced increase in blood sugar levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

The likely cause for the temporary change in treatment for the patient with type 2 diabetes is option B) Stress has likely caused an increase in the patient's blood sugar levels. Stress can trigger the release of hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise. This is known as the 'fight-or-flight' response. The stress of undergoing a surgical procedure like cholecystectomy can activate this response, leading to increased blood sugar levels and the need for insulin injections.