A client with DKA is being treated in a healthcare facility.
The client asks the nurse about the reason for frequent monitoring of blood glucose and electrolyte levels.
Which of the following responses should the nurse give?

Blood glucose levels.

B. Electrolyte levels.

C. Respiratory rate.

E. Skin color.

Choice A rationale:

Monitoring blood glucose levels is essential in managing a child with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Hyperglycemia is a hallmark of DKA, and effective insulin therapy is necessary to lower blood glucose levels to normal or near-normal ranges.

Frequent blood glucose monitoring helps adjust insulin infusion rates, preventing both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

Choice B rationale:

Electrolyte levels, including potassium, sodium, and chloride, should be closely monitored in a child with DKA.

DKA can lead to electrolyte imbalances, such as hypokalemia and hyponatremia, which can be life-threatening.

Monitoring electrolytes ensures that appropriate replacements are administered to correct these imbalances.

Choice C rationale:

Respiratory rate monitoring is vital to detect signs of impending respiratory distress in a child with DKA.

As DKA progresses, metabolic acidosis can result in Kussmaul respirations, which are deep and rapid.

Monitoring respiratory rate can help identify respiratory distress early and prompt timely intervention.

Choice E rationale:

Monitoring skin color is important to assess perfusion and oxygenation.

In severe cases of DKA, there may be impaired tissue perfusion, resulting in pallor or cyanosis.

Skin color changes can be an early indicator of circulatory compromise, and prompt action can help prevent complications associated with inadequate tissue perfusion.

Choice D rationale:

Cardiac output is not typically monitored as a routine measure in managing DKA.

While DKA can affect cardiac function indirectly by causing electrolyte imbalances, monitoring cardiac output is not a direct preventive measure for DKA complications.

Instead, the focus should be on correcting the underlying metabolic and electrolyte imbalances.

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.