A client with diabetes and suspected DKA is found to have a blood glucose level of 250 mg/dL.
What does this finding indicate about the patient's condition?

Choice A rationale:

Education on insulin therapy is a fundamental aspect of DKA management.

Insulin is a crucial component in treating DKA as it helps lower elevated blood glucose levels and corrects the ketosis and acidosis.

It is essential for the patient and their family to understand how insulin works, how to administer it, and when to administer it.

Proper insulin therapy can prevent further complications and guide the management of DKA.

Choice B rationale:

Focusing solely on dietary recommendations is not appropriate in the initial management of DKA.

While dietary management is important for long-term diabetes care, it is not the primary focus during the acute phase of DKA.

The priority is to address the high blood glucose levels and ketoacidosis, which is best achieved through insulin therapy and fluid resuscitation.

Choice C rationale:

Avoiding discussions about blood glucose monitoring is not recommended.

Blood glucose monitoring is a critical aspect of DKA management.

It helps healthcare providers determine the effectiveness of insulin therapy and the patient's response to treatment.

Avoiding these discussions would be detrimental to the patient's care.

Choice D rationale:

Neglecting to mention the risk of cerebral edema is not appropriate in DKA education.

Cerebral edema is a severe complication of DKA that can be life-threatening.

It is crucial to inform the patient and their family about this risk so they can seek prompt medical attention if symptoms occur.

Neglecting to mention this risk could lead to delayed treatment and potential harm to the patient.

Hyperglycemia.

Choice A rationale:

Hypoglycemia A blood glucose level of 250 mg/dL is not indicative of hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemia is defined as low blood glucose levels typically below 70 mg/dL.

In DKA, the primary concern is hyperglycemia, and blood glucose levels are significantly higher than normal.

Choice C rationale:

Normoglycemia A blood glucose level of 250 mg/dL is above the normal range, which typically falls between 70 and 100 mg/dL.

Therefore, it does not indicate normoglycemia.

Hyperglycemia is the characteristic feature of DKA.

Choice D rationale:

Ketonuria While ketonuria is often present in DKA, the finding of a blood glucose level of 250 mg/dL primarily indicates hyperglycemia.

Ketonuria is assessed through urinalysis and relates to the presence of ketones in the urine, which is a common feature of DKA along with hyperglycemia.