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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Diseases & Conditions

NCLEX RN Diabetes Questions Quiz - Can You Ace It?

Ready for diabetes nursing practice questions? Test yourself now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art stethoscope syringe glucose meter insulin vial on sky blue background diabetes nursing quiz

Ready to boost your confidence with our nclex rn diabetes questions quiz? This free challenge is packed with diabetes nursing test questions, diabetes nursing practice questions, and nclex diabetes questions designed to sharpen your clinical reasoning and treatment strategies. Whether you're refining insulin dosing protocols or exploring patient education tips, you'll apply real-world scenarios and get detailed feedback. Plus, check out a sample set of diabetes quiz questions and answers and practice more with our NCLEX RN practice questions. Dive in now and take control of your prep - let's ace this together!

Which hormone secreted by the pancreas lowers blood glucose levels?
Glucagon
Epinephrine
Insulin
Cortisol
Insulin, produced by the beta cells of the pancreas, facilitates cellular glucose uptake and lowers blood glucose levels by promoting glycogenesis and lipogenesis. Its deficiency or resistance is central to the pathophysiology of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Proper understanding of insulin's role is essential for nursing management of diabetic patients. NCBI: Insulin Function
Which type of diabetes is characterized by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells?
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY)
Gestational diabetes mellitus
Type 1 diabetes mellitus results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-secreting beta cells in the pancreas, leading to absolute insulin deficiency. It typically presents in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age. Accurate differentiation guides treatment modalities and patient education. American Diabetes Association
An HbA1c level of what percentage or higher is diagnostic for diabetes mellitus?
7.0%
6.5%
6.0%
5.7%
The American Diabetes Association defines a hemoglobin A1c of 6.5% or above as diagnostic for diabetes mellitus. This measure reflects average glycemic control over the preceding 2 to 3 months. Values between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate prediabetes, and values below 5.7% are considered normal. ADA: A1C Guidelines
Which of the following is a classic symptom of hyperglycemia in diabetes?
Hyporeflexia
Polyuria
Weight gain
Bradycardia
Polyuria, or increased urination, results from osmotic diuresis caused by high blood glucose levels exceeding the renal threshold. It is one of the cardinal manifestations of hyperglycemia along with polydipsia and polyphagia. Recognition of these symptoms aids in timely diagnosis and management. NCBI: Diabetes Signs
In the fasting state, which hormone primarily raises blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis?
Glucagon
Insulin
Amylin
Somatostatin
Glucagon, secreted by pancreatic alpha cells, increases blood glucose by promoting hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis during fasting. It acts as a counterregulatory hormone to insulin. Proper function of this mechanism is essential in preventing hypoglycemia. NCBI: Glucagon Action
What is the normal range for fasting blood glucose in adults?
70-99 mg/dL
50-70 mg/dL
110-140 mg/dL
100-125 mg/dL
A normal fasting blood glucose level in adults is between 70 and 99 mg/dL. Levels from 100 to 125 mg/dL indicate impaired fasting glucose or prediabetes, while levels 126 mg/dL or above on two occasions confirm diabetes. Monitoring these levels is key in diagnosis and ongoing management. ADA: Blood Glucose Targets
Which insulin type has a peak action approximately 6 to 10 hours after subcutaneous administration?
NPH insulin
Insulin aspart
Insulin lispro
Insulin glargine
NPH (neutral protamine Hagedorn) insulin is intermediate-acting, with an onset of 1 to 2 hours and peak action around 6 to 10 hours after administration. Understanding insulin pharmacokinetics is crucial for timing doses to match patients' glycemic patterns. Proper timing reduces risk of hypo- and hyperglycemia. NCBI: Insulin Types
What is the preferred site for subcutaneous insulin injection due to consistent absorption rates?
Buttock
Abdomen
Thigh
Deltoid
The abdomen is the preferred injection site for subcutaneous insulin because of its consistent and rapid absorption characteristics. Rotating injection sites within the abdomen can also reduce the risk of lipodystrophy. Deltoid, thigh, and buttock sites have slower and more variable absorption. Diabetes Educator Guide
When initiating treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), what is the nurse's priority intervention?
Give sodium bicarbonate
Administer regular insulin IV bolus
Start potassium replacement
Begin IV isotonic saline infusion
Fluid resuscitation with isotonic saline is the priority in initial DKA management to correct dehydration and improve circulation. Insulin therapy and electrolyte replacement follow once intravascular volume is restored. Sodium bicarbonate is reserved for severe acidosis (pH <7.0) and is not first-line. ACEP DKA Guidelines
Which of the following is an example of a rapid-acting insulin?
Insulin glargine
Regular insulin
Insulin lispro
NPH insulin
Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin analog with onset in 10 to 15 minutes, peak action around 1 to 2 hours, and duration up to 4 hours, making it ideal for postprandial glucose control. Regular insulin has a slower onset, and NPH and glargine provide intermediate and basal coverage, respectively. Matching insulin type to meal timing is essential. NCBI: Rapid-Acting Insulin
Which instruction is most important when teaching a patient with diabetes about foot care?
Use alcohol to clean between the toes
Walk barefoot to test sensation
Inspect feet daily for cuts, blisters, or redness
Soak feet in hot water daily
Daily inspection of the feet allows early detection of skin breakdown, neuropathic ulcers, or infections, reducing the risk of complications. Alcohol between toes can dry the skin and cause fissures, and soaking feet can lead to maceration. Walking barefoot increases risk of injury. ADA: Foot Care
A side effect commonly associated with sulfonylurea therapy in diabetes management is:
Hyperglycemia
Hypoglycemia
Dry cough
Weight loss
Sulfonylureas stimulate pancreatic insulin secretion, which can lead to hypoglycemia, especially if meals are skipped or delayed. Weight gain is more typical than weight loss, and dry cough is associated with ACE inhibitors, not sulfonylureas. Monitoring glucose levels and meal timing reduces this risk. NCBI: Sulfonylureas
The Dawn phenomenon in diabetic patients refers to:
Early morning hyperglycemia due to nocturnal growth hormone and cortisol secretion
High glucose resulting from missed evening insulin dose
Nocturnal hypoglycemia triggering a rebound hyperglycemia
Hypoglycemia caused by excessive evening exercise
The Dawn phenomenon is characterized by an early morning rise in blood glucose levels due to increased secretion of growth hormone and cortisol, which antagonize insulin action. It differs from the Somogyi effect, which involves rebound hyperglycemia after nocturnal hypoglycemia. Recognizing this pattern informs insulin dosing adjustments. Diabetes Educator Resource
Metformin lowers blood glucose primarily by:
Increasing renal glucose excretion
Blocking glucose absorption in the intestines
Stimulating insulin secretion
Decreasing hepatic gluconeogenesis
Metformin is a biguanide that reduces hepatic glucose production, primarily by inhibiting gluconeogenesis, and increases insulin sensitivity. It does not stimulate insulin secretion, minimizing risk of hypoglycemia, and it has minimal effect on glucose absorption or renal excretion. Understanding its mechanism is important for patient selection and monitoring. NCBI: Metformin
Which statement accurately describes insulin glargine (Lantus)?
It provides a peakless, 24-hour basal insulin level
It is a rapid-acting insulin used at mealtime
It is an intermediate-acting insulin
It peaks at 2 hours and lasts 6 hours
Insulin glargine is a long-acting basal insulin analog that delivers a relatively constant, peakless level over approximately 24 hours. This profile helps maintain baseline insulin needs and reduce risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia. It is distinct from rapid-, short-, or intermediate-acting insulins. NCBI: Insulin Glargine
An insulin pump delivers glucose-lowering therapy using:
Intermittent intramuscular injections
Inhaled insulin delivery
Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion
Oral insulin administration
An insulin pump provides continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, allowing precise basal and bolus dosing and greater flexibility in matching insulin delivery to patient needs. It differs significantly from intramuscular injections, oral formulations, or inhaled delivery systems. Familiarity with pump function is essential for patient education. Joslin Diabetes Center
Patients with hypoglycemia unawareness are at increased risk because they:
Overproduce glucagon during hypoglycemia
Cannot metabolize insulin effectively
Do not experience adrenergic warning signs during low blood sugar
Have elevated ketone body production
Hypoglycemia unawareness occurs when autonomic responses to low blood glucose diminish, resulting in absent adrenergic symptoms such as tremors or palpitations. This puts patients at risk for severe hypoglycemia without warning. Patient education and glucose monitoring are critical to prevent adverse events. NCBI PMC: Hypoglycemia Unawareness
Which electrolyte abnormality must be closely monitored during treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
Hypermagnesemia
Hypernatremia
Hypocalcemia
Hypokalemia
During DKA treatment, insulin administration and correction of acidosis drive potassium into cells, often precipitating hypokalemia. Close monitoring and timely potassium replacement are essential to prevent cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Hypernatremia may occur but is less immediately life-threatening. NCBI: DKA Management
A patient uses an insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio of 1:15 and plans to eat 60 grams of carbohydrates at breakfast. How many units of rapid-acting insulin should be administered?
2 units
8 units
4 units
6 units
The insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio indicates the number of grams of carbohydrate covered by one unit of insulin. Dividing 60 grams by a ratio of 15 yields 4 units of insulin. Accurate calculation is crucial to achieving postprandial glycemic control. Diabetes Care: Insulin Pump Therapy
Which therapeutic strategy is most appropriate for a diabetic patient with gastroparesis experiencing erratic postprandial glucose levels?
Recommend skipping meals when symptoms worsen
Increase the dose of long-acting basal insulin
Administer preprandial rapid-acting insulin and prescribe prokinetic agents
Switch to a sulfonylurea to control postprandial spikes
Gastroparesis delays gastric emptying and leads to mismatches between carbohydrate absorption and insulin action. Using rapid-acting insulin timed before meals along with prokinetic agents (e.g., metoclopramide) improves gastric motility and aligns insulin with nutrient absorption. Adjusting basal insulin or skipping meals does not address erratic glucose patterns. NCBI PMC: Diabetic Gastroparesis
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Diabetes Pathophysiology -

    Grasp the underlying mechanisms and classifications of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes as they relate to nursing care.

  2. Differentiate Insulin Therapies -

    Identify various insulin types, their onset, peak, and duration profiles, and select appropriate regimens for patient scenarios.

  3. Apply Glucose Monitoring Strategies -

    Implement evidence-based practices for blood glucose monitoring and interpret results to maintain target ranges.

  4. Evaluate Acute and Chronic Complications -

    Assess signs of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, and determine priority nursing interventions for diabetic emergencies.

  5. Formulate Patient Education Plans -

    Develop tailored teaching strategies on diet, exercise, and medication adherence to support self-management.

  6. Analyze NCLEX-Style Case Scenarios -

    Solve diabetes nursing practice questions to sharpen critical thinking and exam readiness.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Insulin Pharmacokinetics Mastery -

    When tackling nclex rn diabetes questions, you'll need to differentiate rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate, and long-acting insulins by onset, peak, and duration. Use the memory aid "15-30-30-2-8-16-1-24" (Lispro: 15/30/3; Regular: 30/120/480; NPH: 120/480/960; Glargine: 60/ - /1440 minutes). This framework is backed by ADA guidelines and helps you select appropriate insulin in diabetes nursing practice questions.

  2. Carbohydrate Counting and Insulin Dosing -

    Apply the insulin-to-carb ratio formula (500 ÷ TDD) and correction factor (1800 ÷ TDD) to individualize dosing in diabetes nursing test questions. For example, a TDD of 50 units yields a 10 g of carbohydrate per unit ratio, so 60 g carbs require 6 units of rapid-acting insulin. This calculation technique is endorsed by Joslin Diabetes Center and is vital for precise glycemic control.

  3. Blood Glucose Monitoring Targets -

    NCLEX diabetes questions often ask about recommended glucose targets: preprandial 80 - 130 mg/dL and postprandial <180 mg/dL according to the American Diabetes Association. Regular self-monitoring or continuous glucose monitoring data help fine-tune therapy and prevent complications. Highlight these ranges when reviewing your diabetes nursing practice questions to ensure safe patient outcomes.

  4. Hypoglycemia Recognition & Management -

    Use the "15-15 Rule" mnemonic for hypoglycemia: consume 15 g of fast-acting carbs, wait 15 minutes, then recheck glucose. Simple options include 4 oz fruit juice, 3 - 4 glucose tablets, or a tablespoon of sugar. Mastering this protocol from the ADA position statement is crucial for rapid response in diabetes nursing test questions.

  5. Sick-Day Management Essentials -

    Remember the SICK mnemonic: Sugar checks hourly, Insulin as prescribed, Carbohydrates maintained, Keep fluids up. During illness, stress hormones spike glucose levels, so adjusting insulin and hydration is vital to avoid DKA. Reviewing CDC and ADA sick-day guidelines will boost your confidence in nclex rn diabetes questions.

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