Question

The client is experiencing dawn phenomena associated with diabetes mellitus. Which action by the nurse indicates knowledge of dawn phenomena? A. The nurse offers peanut butter and crackers as a snack prior to bedtime. B. The nurse wakes the client during the night to check her blood glucose level. C. The nurse administers \(\mathrm{NPH}\) insulin subcutaneously as ordered. D. The nurse explains the need for frequent cortisole levels to be checked.

Short answer

A. Offering peanut butter and crackers as a snack prior to bedtime B. Waking the client during the night to check blood glucose levels C. Administering NPH insulin subcutaneously as ordered D. Explaining the need for frequent cortisol levels to be checked Answer: C. Administering NPH insulin subcutaneously as ordered

Step-by-step solution

Review answer choice A

Offering peanut butter and crackers as a snack prior to bedtime may help prevent nighttime hypoglycemia, which could result to high blood sugar levels in the morning. However, this action does not specifically indicate knowledge of dawn phenomena, as it could be a general measure for diabetes management.

Review answer choice B

Waking the client during the night to check blood glucose levels may help to identify the cause of dawn phenomena if it's related to night hypoglycemia. However, this is more of an investigational action and not necessarily a management strategy for dawn phenomena.

Review answer choice C

Administering \(\mathrm{NPH}\) insulin subcutaneously as ordered is a correct action to manage blood glucose levels in patients with dawn phenomenon. \(\mathrm{NPH}\) insulin has a longer duration of action and covers the increased insulin needs during the night, helping to stabilize blood glucose levels. This action demonstrates the nurse's understanding of the phenomena and is a reasonable management strategy.

Review answer choice D

Explaining the need for frequent cortisole levels to be checked does not indicate knowledge of dawn phenomena. While cortisol plays a role in glucose metabolism, it is not the primary method of addressing dawn phenomena in diabetes management.

Determine the correct answer

Based on the analysis of each answer choice, the correct answer is C: The nurse administers \(\mathrm{NPH}\) insulin subcutaneously as ordered which indicates knowledge of dawn phenomena.