Question

A client who was recently diagnosed with anorexia nervosa collapses at an outpatient clinic. While taking the blood pressure, the client begins to demonstrate cloudy consciousness, stupor, and has slurred speech. The nurse obtains a blood glucose 50 mg/dL (2.77 mmol/L), heart rate of 116 beats/minute, and blood pressure of 88/50 mmHg.. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

a. Position client with head flat and feet elevated
b. Suggests obtaining a medical alert bracelet to be always worn.
c. Encourage the client to eat low-carbohydrate and high-protein meals.
d. Reinforce the need to continue the outpatient clinic therapy.

Answer 1

In cases of hypoglycemia, the most important intervention for a nurse to implement is to position the client with head flat and feet elevated.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important intervention for the nurse to implement in this situation is to position the client with head flat and feet elevated. The client's symptoms, such as cloudy consciousness, stupor, slurred speech, low blood glucose levels, and decreased blood pressure, indicate that the client is experiencing hypoglycemia. In cases of hypoglycemia, it is crucial to improve glucose supply to the brain by increasing blood flow to the head. Elevating the client's feet and keeping the head flat can help improve cerebral blood flow and address the client's symptoms.