Question

A client with type 1 diabetes presents with a decreased level of consciousness and a fingerstick glucose level of 39 mg/dl. His family reports that he has been skipping meals in an effort to lose weight. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

1) Administer insulin as ordered
2) Encourage the client to eat a meal or snack containing carbohydrates
3) Administer glucagon as ordered
4) Monitor the client's blood glucose level every 15 minutes

Answer 1

The most appropriate nursing intervention is to encourage the client to eat a meal or snack containing carbohydrates.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate nursing intervention in this case would be to encourage the client to eat a meal or snack containing carbohydrates (option 2). The decreased level of consciousness and low glucose level indicate that the client is experiencing hypoglycemia, which is a medical emergency. Providing the client with food or drink that contains carbohydrates such as juice, crackers, or a sandwich can quickly raise their blood glucose level and help improve their consciousness.