Today’s NCLEX-RN® question of the day focuses on the medical and social history of patient and what condition they’re most at risk for developing. Do you know the answer? Let’s find out!
The nurse in the endocrinology office is reviewing the electronic health record (EHR) for a new patient. Based on their medical and social history, which condition are they most at risk for developing?
| Electronic Health Record (EHR) |
| Patient is a 66-year-old male who is recently retired from work as a long-haul truck driver. He has a history of hypertension and high cholesterol. His body mass index is 35 and the patient reports he follows no specific diet. His mother died of a heart attack at age 49 and his father is alive and resides in a memory care unit. |
A. Type 1 diabetes mellitus
B. Diabetes insipidus
C. Type 2 diabetes mellitus
D. Gestational diabetes
Scroll down for the correct answer!
The correct answer to today’s NCLEX® Question is…
C. Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Rationale: Risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus include obesity, physical inactivity, and a diet high in simple carbohydrates, saturated fats, and red meat. Additionally, those older than 65 years and those with a history of hypertension are at increased risk. Therefore, this patient is at risk for type 2 diabetes given his elevated body mass index (>30), advanced age (>65 years old), history of hypertension, and physical inactivity (career in long-haul trucking).
Main Takeaway
Risk factors for type 1 diabetes include exposure to certain viruses and a family history of type 1 diabetes. As for type 2 diabetes, risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, and a diet high in simple carbohydrates, saturated fats, and red meat. Additionally, those older than 65 years and those with a history of hypertension are at increased risk. Therefore, this patient is at risk for type 2 diabetes given his elevated body mass index (greater than 30 indicates obesity), advanced age (over 65 years old), history of hypertension, and physical inactivity (career in long-haul trucking).
Incorrect Answer Explanations
A. Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Rationale: This patient’s history does not put him at risk for type 1 diabetes mellitus. Risk factors for type 1 diabetes include exposure to certain viruses and a family history of type 1 diabetes.
B. Diabetes insipidus
Rationale: Diabetes insipidus is a type of polyuria-polydipsia syndrome, meaning increased fluid intake and urination, specifically resulting in more than 3 liters per day of dilute urine. This patient does not have risk factors for this condition.
D. Gestational diabetes
Rationale: Gestational diabetes mellitus is a type of diabetes mellitus that develops during pregnancy. This patient does not have risk factors for this condition.
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