A nurse is collecting data from an adolescent client who is hypoglycemic. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Flushed skin is incorrect. Hypoglycemia typically causes pale, clammy skin due to the body's stress response. Flushed skin is more commonly associated with hyperglycemia. B. Headache is correct. Hypoglycemia can cause neurological symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, and irritability due to a lack of glucose available for brain function. C. Fruity breath odor is incorrect. A fruity or acetone-like breath odor is a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which occurs with hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. D. Thirst is incorrect. Increased thirst (polydipsiA. is a symptom of hyperglycemia due to excess glucose in the bloodstream drawing water out of the cells, leading to dehydration. Hypoglycemia does not typically cause excessive thirst.