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 D
Explanation
Tramadol is an opioid analgesic that can depress the respiratory system and potentially cause respiratory depression. Therefore, it is crucial for the PN to closely monitor the client's breathing pattern, depth, and rate. Assessing for signs of shallow or slow breathing is important to detect any potential respiratory depression and take appropriate action promptly.
The other options listed are not directly related to the administration of tramadol:
A. Encouraging the client to resume normal activities after medication administration is not an appropriate intervention for a client experiencing torticollis. The focus should be on pain management, rest, and implementing measures to relieve the torticollis.
B. Observing the client for involuntary movements of the lips and tongue every day is not specifically related to tramadol. This intervention is more relevant to monitoring for tardive dyskinesia, a side effect associated with certain antipsychotic medications.
C. Performing a daily whisper test of the client's hearing to detect symptoms of ototoxicity is not necessary with tramadol. Ototoxicity refers to damage to the inner ear, often caused by specific medications, but tramadol is not known to cause ototoxic effects.
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