J.R., a 56-year-old beautician, has been diagnosed with a VIPoma (vasoactive intestinal peptide–producing tumor). She was scheduled for surgery but developed severe diarrhea. She has been hospitalized...

J.R., a 56-year-old beautician, has been diagnosed with a VIPoma (vasoactive intestinal peptide–producing tumor). She was scheduled for surgery but developed severe diarrhea. She has been hospitalized because she became dehydrated after 2 days of profuse, watery diarrhea. She has not eaten for several days. In addition to having diarrhea, she is nauseated, has facial flushing, and has lost 5 pounds in 2 days. Intravenous fluid replacement with normal saline has been started, and she will be receiving octreotide (Sandostatin). She had her gallbladder removed 8 years ago but has no history of other illnesses. 1. How does the octreotide work to control the VIPoma-related diarrhea? 2. As J.R. begins therapy with octreotide, the nurse should continue to assess what parameters? After 2 days of treatment, the episodes of diarrhea have become less frequent. However, the nurse notes that J.R.’s blood glucose levels are elevated. 3. What is the best explanation for this elevation?