NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Clinical Patient CareEasy
A medical assistant is reinforcing teaching with a patient about managing their type 2 diabetes. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
- A“I will try to eat consistent meals and snacks throughout the day.”
- B“Exercise helps lower my blood sugar, so I should do it every day.”
- C“If I feel shaky and sweaty, I should drink a sugary drink immediately.”
- D“I should check my blood sugar at least once a day.”
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. “If I feel shaky and sweaty, I should drink a sugary drink immediately.”
While a sugary drink can help with hypoglycemia, the patient should first check their blood sugar to confirm it's low before treating. Treating without confirmation can lead to hyperglycemia.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Consistent meal timing helps maintain stable blood glucose levels.
- B. Regular exercise is crucial for managing blood sugar in type 2 diabetes.
- D. Daily blood sugar monitoring is a common recommendation for type 2 diabetes management.
Hypoglycemia Management
When experiencing symptoms of low blood sugar, a patient should first confirm with a blood glucose reading before consuming fast-acting carbohydrates to avoid overcorrection and hyperglycemia.
- Symptoms: shakiness, sweating, dizziness.
- Confirm with blood glucose check.
- Treat with 15g fast-acting carbohydrate if low.
Memory trick: Educate Patients Clearly, Check Levels Early.