A client with DKA is experiencing hypokalemia.
What should the nurse do regarding potassium replacement?
"We'll initiate potassium replacement once urine output is established and serum potassium levels are known.”..
"Potassium replacement should be delayed until blood glucose levels stabilize.”..
"We'll replace potassium only if the client complains of muscle weakness.”..
"Potassium replacement is not necessary in DKA management.”..
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Initiating potassium replacement once urine output is established and serum potassium levels are known is the appropriate approach in managing hypokalemia in a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Hypokalemia is a common complication in DKA due to excessive loss of potassium through osmotic diuresis.
The first step is to ensure adequate urine output, as potassium replacement can potentially lead to kidney damage in the absence of diuresis.
Once urine output is established, the nurse can then monitor serum potassium levels and administer potassium as necessary to correct the imbalance.
Choice B rationale:
Delaying potassium replacement until blood glucose levels stabilize is not the best approach.
Hypokalemia in DKA should be addressed promptly to prevent complications such as cardiac dysrhythmias, which can be aggravated by low potassium levels.
Correcting hypokalemia is an essential part of DKA management and should not be postponed.
Choice C rationale:
Waiting for the client to complain of muscle weakness before replacing potassium is not advisable.
Muscle weakness is a late sign of severe hypokalemia, and by the time it occurs, the client may already be at risk of life-threatening complications.
It is essential to monitor laboratory values and replace potassium proactively when necessary.
Choice D rationale:
Asserting that potassium replacement is not necessary in DKA management is incorrect.
Hypokalemia is a well-recognized complication in DKA, and addressing it is a vital part of the overall treatment plan.
Failure to replace potassium in a timely manner can lead to serious health risks, including cardiac arrhythmias.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Teaching parents how to monitor the child's blood glucose levels at home is essential in the discharge plan for a child with DKA.
It empowers parents to manage their child's condition and ensure that blood glucose levels are within a safe range.
Home monitoring is crucial for preventing recurrence and managing diabetes effectively.
Choice B rationale:
Instructing parents on how to give the child insulin injections is another critical aspect of the discharge plan.
Children with DKA often require insulin therapy to manage their blood glucose levels.
Proper administration of insulin is essential to prevent hyperglycemia and DKA recurrence.
Choice C rationale:
Educating parents on what to do if the child develops symptoms of DKA, such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, is important.
Recognizing the early signs of DKA and seeking medical attention promptly is crucial to prevent the condition from worsening.
Teaching parents to be vigilant for these symptoms can help prevent DKA recurrence.
Choice D rationale:
Preventing the child from developing DKA again in the future is a crucial part of the discharge plan.
While this is a broad goal, it can encompass education on various aspects, such as the importance of insulin compliance, regular medical check-ups, and diabetes management strategies.
Preventing recurrence is a primary objective of DKA management.
Choice E rationale:
Providing information on how to contact the child's healthcare provider if parents have any questions or concerns is essential.
Open communication with healthcare providers is vital for ongoing support, guidance, and adjustments to the child's diabetes management plan.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
A. "Evaluate the child's emotional well-being.”.
D. "Obtain a detailed history, including family history of diabetes.”.
E. "Regularly monitor blood glucose levels to assess glycemic control.”.
Choice A rationale:
Evaluate the child's emotional well-being.
Assessing the emotional well-being of a child with diabetes is crucial because living with a chronic condition can have a significant impact on a child's mental health.
Children may experience stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges related to their condition.
This assessment helps in providing comprehensive care and support to the child.
Choice B rationale:
Assess for signs of hyperglycemia, such as polyuria.
While assessing for signs of hyperglycemia, such as polyuria, is important in managing diabetes, it is primarily a physical assessment and not a psychosocial assessment.
It focuses on the physiological aspects of the condition.
Choice C rationale:
Monitor growth patterns and assess for any delays.
Monitoring growth patterns and assessing for delays in a child's development is important but is also primarily a physical assessment.
It is not a direct component of the psychosocial assessment, although it may indirectly impact a child's emotional well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Obtain a detailed history, including family history of diabetes.
Obtaining a detailed history, including a family history of diabetes, is a crucial part of the assessment.
Family history can be a significant risk factor for the development of diabetes in a child.
Understanding the family history helps in identifying potential genetic predispositions.
Choice E rationale:
Regularly monitor blood glucose levels to assess glycemic control.
Regularly monitoring blood glucose levels is essential in managing diabetes.
While it is a key aspect of diabetes care, it primarily falls under the category of physiological monitoring rather than a direct component of psychosocial assessment.
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