A Patient in the Intensive Care Unit Is Surprised to Learn

question 19

Multiple Choice

A patient in the intensive care unit is surprised to learn that he has an elevated blood glucose level since he has not been diagnosed with diabetes.How should the nurse explain this elevation?

• A)"Many people are not diagnosed with diabetes until they are admitted to an intensive care unit."
• B)"Increasing blood glucose is the body's way of making sure there is enough energy for brain functioning."
• C)"Many people have diabetes but are not aware of it."
• D)"When stressed,the body releases more glucose into the blood,raising the blood glucose level."

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Definitions:

Enzymes

Proteins that act as biological catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in cells.

−COOH Group

A functional group characteristic of carboxylic acids, consisting of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group.

Amino Acids

Organic compounds that combine to form proteins and are used by the body for various functions including tissue repair and the synthesis of neurotransmitters.

Fatty Acids

Organic compounds made of long hydrocarbon chains ending in a carboxylic acid group, essential in diet and biology for energy storage and cell membrane structure.