Question

A nurse is caring for an adolescent who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to assess for Somogyi phenomenon?

a) Monitor blood glucose levels during the night.
b) Administer insulin immediately after meals.
c) Skip one meal to observe the body's response.
d) Increase insulin dosage without monitoring.

Answer 1

The nurse should monitor blood glucose levels during the night to assess for Somogyi phenomenon in an adolescent with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should monitor blood glucose levels during the night to assess for Somogyi phenomenon in an adolescent with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Somogyi phenomenon refers to a rebound hyperglycemia that occurs in response to nighttime hypoglycemia. It is caused by an excessive insulin dose administered at bedtime, which leads to low blood sugar levels during the night and subsequent compensatory release of counterregulatory hormones, resulting in high blood sugar levels in the morning.

By monitoring blood glucose levels during the night, the nurse can identify if the adolescent is experiencing nocturnal hypoglycemia or rebound hyperglycemia, and make appropriate adjustments to the insulin regimen.

Learn more about Somogyi phenomenon