A home health care nurse is assessing a patient with type 1 diabetes who has been controlled for 6 months.The nurse is surprised and concerned about a blood glucose reading of 52 mg/dL.What action by this patient most likely caused this episode of hypoglycemia?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The 2-hour long exercise class at the spa likely caused this episode of hypoglycemia. Exercise requires energy, which the body may get from glucose in the bloodstream. For someone with type 1 diabetes, insulin is needed to allow glucose to enter cells for energy. During exercise, the body’s need for glucose may increase, and insulin sensitivity may increase, causing sugars to be used up more rapidly than anticipated. This can result in hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. It is important for patients with diabetes to plan ahead for exercise, with adjustments to medication and/or snacks before and during activity. Taking a new form of birth control pill this morning or using large amounts of sugar substitute in her tea this morning would not likely result in hypoglycemia. Administering an insufficient dose of insulin this morning could potentially result in high blood sugar, but not hypoglycemia as seen in this case.

A Home Health Care Nurse Is Assessing a Patient with Type