A client recently diagnosed with diabetes mellitus asks the nurse about the pathophysiology of the condition.
Which statement by the nurse accurately describes the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus in children?

Choice A rationale:

Telling the child to drink less water to control urination is not an appropriate response.

Excessive thirst and increased urination are common symptoms of diabetes, and they occur because the body is trying to get rid of excess glucose through urine.

Dehydration is a concern in diabetes, so advising the child to drink less water is not advisable.

Choice B rationale:

Explaining to the child that these symptoms are due to their body having trouble using glucose properly is an accurate and appropriate response.

Excessive thirst and increased urination are classic symptoms of diabetes mellitus.

When the body cannot use glucose effectively, it tries to eliminate excess glucose through urine, leading to increased urination and subsequent thirst to combat dehydration.

Choice C rationale:

Suggesting that the child should eat more to satisfy their increased hunger is not an appropriate response.

Increased hunger can also be a symptom of diabetes, and advising the child to eat more without addressing the underlying issue of glucose regulation is not helpful.

Choice D rationale:

Weight loss is often an early symptom of diabetes, and it occurs because the body is unable to properly utilize glucose for energy.

Potassium replacement is done to prevent hypokalemia, which is common in DKA.

Choice A rationale:

Potassium replacement is indeed necessary in DKA treatment.

This choice is incorrect because DKA often leads to hypokalemia (low potassium levels).

Potassium is an essential electrolyte for various bodily functions, including proper heart function, and low levels can be life-threatening.

Therefore, potassium replacement is a vital part of DKA treatment.

Choice B rationale:

The primary reason for potassium replacement in DKA is to prevent hypokalemia.

As mentioned earlier, DKA leads to excessive urination, which results in the loss of potassium and other electrolytes.

Hypokalemia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness.

Therefore, replenishing potassium is crucial to maintaining normal physiological functions.

Choice C rationale:

Potassium replacement is not done to treat hyperkalemia in DKA.

DKA typically leads to hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia.

Hyperkalemia, or high potassium levels, is a less common complication in DKA.

Treating hyperkalemia may involve different interventions, but it is not the primary reason for potassium replacement in DKA.

Choice D rationale:

Potassium replacement is not done solely based on the client's request.

It is a medical decision made by healthcare providers based on clinical assessment and laboratory values.

Ignoring potassium replacement in DKA could lead to severe complications, so it is not a matter of personal preference.