A school nurse is assessing an adolescent who reports feeling shaky and is having difficulty speaking and concentrating on the Questions the nurse is asking.The nurse checks the adolescent’s blood glucose level and identifies a value of 55 mg/dL. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

The correct answer is Choice D.Choice A rationalePolyuria, or excessive urination, is typically associated with hyperglycemia rather than hypoglycemia. In the context of diabetes, polyuria occurs when high blood glucose levels lead to increased urine production as the body attempts to excrete excess glucose. Since the adolescent’s blood glucose level is 55 mg/dL, which indicates hypoglycemia, polyuria is not an expected finding.Choice B rationaleDry, flushed skin is a common symptom of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. When blood glucose levels are high, the body becomes dehydrated, leading to dry skin and a flushedappearance. In contrast, hypoglycemia often presents with symptoms such as sweating, pallor, and shakiness due to the body’s response to low blood glucose levels.Choice C rationaleDeep, rapid respirations, also known as Kussmaul respirations, are typically associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of hyperglycemia. DKA occurs when the body produces high levels of ketones due to insufficient insulin. Since the adolescent’s blood glucose level is 55 mg/dL, which indicates hypoglycemia, deep, rapid respirations are not an expected finding.Choice D rationaleTachycardia, or an increased heart rate, is a common symptom of hypoglycemia. When blood glucose levels drop, the body releases catecholamines (such as adrenaline) to raise blood glucose levels. This response leads to symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, and tachycardia. Therefore, tachycardia is an expected finding in an adolescent with a blood glucose level of 55 mg/dL.