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Free NCLEX practice · Diabetes and Endocrine

NCLEX Diabetes and Endocrine Practice Questions

Diabetes is one of the most heavily tested chronic conditions on the NCLEX, mostly through medication safety, emergencies and teaching.

These questions practise telling hypoglycemia from hyperglycemia, managing DKA and giving safe insulin teaching.

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What the NCLEX tests in diabetes and endocrine

5 diabetes and endocrine practice questions with rationales

Answer each one before opening the rationale. Every option is explained, including the wrong ones.

Question 1 · Multiple choice
A conscious client with diabetes is shaky, sweaty and has a glucose of 58 mg/dL. What should the nurse do first?
  1. Give 15 g of a fast-acting carbohydrate
  2. Give the scheduled insulin
  3. Recheck the glucose in one hour
  4. Give a high-protein snack only
Show answer and rationale

Answer: A

A. Correct. Treat with 15 g fast carbohydrate, recheck in 15 minutes, repeat if still low.

B. Insulin would lower glucose further.

C. Waiting an hour is unsafe.

D. Protein acts too slowly to correct hypoglycemia on its own.

Question 2 · Select all that apply
Which findings are expected in diabetic ketoacidosis? Select all that apply.
  1. Kussmaul respirations
  2. Fruity breath odor
  3. Blood glucose of 60 mg/dL
  4. Metabolic acidosis
  5. Polyuria and dehydration
Show answer and rationale

Answer: A, B, D, E

A. Correct. Deep rapid breathing blows off CO2 to compensate for acidosis.

B. Correct. Ketones cause a fruity odor.

C. DKA involves hyperglycemia, usually above 250 mg/dL.

D. Correct. Ketones cause metabolic acidosis.

E. Correct. Osmotic diuresis causes fluid loss.

Question 3 · Multiple choice
A client in DKA is on an IV insulin infusion. Which lab value needs the closest monitoring as treatment begins?
  1. Potassium
  2. Hemoglobin
  3. Platelets
  4. Albumin
Show answer and rationale

Answer: A

A. Correct. Insulin drives potassium into cells, so serum potassium can drop dangerously.

B. Not the main risk during insulin therapy.

C. Not affected by insulin therapy.

D. Not a priority here.

Question 4 · Select all that apply
Which sick-day instructions are appropriate for a client with type 1 diabetes? Select all that apply.
  1. Continue taking insulin
  2. Check blood glucose more often
  3. Stop eating and drinking until feeling better
  4. Check urine for ketones as instructed
  5. Drink sugar-free fluids to stay hydrated
Show answer and rationale

Answer: A, B, D, E

A. Correct. Illness raises glucose; insulin should not be stopped.

B. Correct. Frequent checks catch rising glucose early.

C. Fasting completely risks dehydration and ketosis.

D. Correct. Ketones warn of DKA.

E. Correct. Hydration is essential.

Question 5 · Multiple choice
Which statement by a client with diabetes about foot care needs correcting?
  1. "I will check my feet every day."
  2. "I will soak my feet in hot water each night."
  3. "I will wear well-fitting shoes."
  4. "I will dry carefully between my toes."
Show answer and rationale

Answer: B

A. Daily inspection is correct.

B. Correct (needs correcting). Neuropathy can prevent feeling a burn, and soaking macerates skin.

C. Proper shoes prevent injury.

D. Drying between toes prevents fungal infection.

How to study diabetes and endocrine for the NCLEX

  1. Cold and clammy, need some candy: shaky and sweaty is low glucose.
  2. In DKA, fluids come first, then insulin, with close potassium monitoring.
  3. Insulin is never stopped on sick days; the dose may change, but the drug continues.

Frequently asked questions

What diabetes topics are on the NCLEX?

Hypoglycemia, DKA and HHS, insulin types and timing, oral agents, sick-day rules and foot care.

How do I remember insulin peaks?

Group them by speed: rapid (lispro, aspart), short (regular), intermediate (NPH) and long (glargine, which has no pronounced peak).

Can I make diabetes questions from my notes?

Yes. Upload your endocrine unit to NurseQuizAI and practise on it.

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