A client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is receiving regular insulin. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) implement to evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin dosage?
Smell the client's breath for resolution of a fruity odor.
Determine the client's orientation to time and space.
Measure the client's urinary output for an increased volume.
Check fingerstick blood glucose for a decrease in the level.
The Correct Answer is D
Regular insulin is the medication of choice for treating DKA. Its main action is to lower blood glucose levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells and inhibiting the production of glucose by the liver. Therefore, checking the fingerstick blood glucose level is an important indicator of the effectiveness of the insulin treatment.
A decrease in the blood glucose level indicates that the insulin is working to lower the high blood sugar associated with DKA. This measurement helps the PN assess the response to treatment and adjust the insulin dosage if necessary.
The other actions mentioned are also important assessments in the care of a client with DKA, but they do not specifically evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin dosage:
A. Smelling the client's breath for resolution of a fruity odor is important as it indicates a decrease in ketone production, which is a marker of improving DKA. However, it does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin dosage.
B. Determining the client's orientation to time and space is part of assessing their neurological status, which is crucial in managing DKA. However, it does not specifically assess the effectiveness of the insulin dosage.
C. Measuring the client's urinary output for an increased volume is important to monitor hydration status and renal function, but it does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin dosage.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
In infants with heart failure, they may have difficulty feeding due to fatigue and increased work of breathing. Allowing the infant to rest before feeding helps conserve their energy and reduces the risk of excessive fatigue during feeding.
The other options are not appropriate interventions for this situation:
A.Weigh before and after feeding: Weighing before and after feeding is not necessary in this case unless specifically ordered by the healthcare provider. It is not directly related to the management of feeding an infant with heart failure.
C.Feed the infant when he cries: Feeding the infant solely based on crying may not be appropriate in this case. It is important to establish a feeding schedule and monitor the infant's signs of hunger and satiety to ensure adequate nutrition and prevent overfeeding.
D.Insert a nasogastric feeding tube: Inserting a nasogastric feeding tube should not be the first intervention unless there is a specific indication or order from the healthcare provider. In this scenario, the focus is on supporting oral feeding and allowing the infant to rest before feeding.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Repositioning the client helps alleviate any discomfort or pressure points that may be interfering with their ability to find a comfortable sleeping position. Providing a back rub can promote relaxation and help the client feel more comfortable.
It is important to address non-pharmacological interventions first before considering medication options. In this case, repositioning and providing a back rub are non-invasive, non-pharmacological interventions that can be effective in promoting sleep.
B. Offering a cup of hot chocolate at bedtime may not address the underlying cause of the client's difficulty in sleeping and may not be the most appropriate intervention at this time.
C. Similarly, administering a prescribed sleep medication should only be considered after non-pharmacological interventions have been attempted and if deemed necessary by the healthcare provider.
D. Administering an as-needed (PRN) prescription for pain may be appropriate if pain is contributing to the client's difficulty in sleeping. However, repositioning and providing a back rub can be the initial interventions to address discomfort and pain before considering additional pain medication.
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