Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

Why is the postoperative CABG patient receiving an insulin drip?

1. To prevent the development of diabetes mellitus

2. To reduce the risk of infection

3. To prevent intestinal ischemia

4. To reduce the risk of acute renal failure

The correct answer is: To reduce the risk of infection

The use of an insulin drip in a postoperative CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting) patient is primarily aimed at controlling blood glucose levels. Elevated blood sugar levels post-surgery can lead to various complications, including an increased risk of infection. Insulin plays a critical role in glucose metabolism, and maintaining appropriate glucose levels is vital for promoting healing and reducing potential complications. By ensuring that blood sugar is kept within an optimal range, the likelihood of postoperative infections can be decreased, which is crucial for a cardiac surgery patient whose immune response may be compromised due to the stress of surgery and other factors. The other options do not align correctly with the primary purpose of administering insulin in this context. The management of diabetes mellitus and intestinal ischemia does not directly involve the use of insulin drip in the postoperative setting. While acute renal failure can be influenced by glucose levels, the main focus for insulin administration in the CABG scenario lies in mitigating the risk of infection through effective glucose control.