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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The statement mentions that children with a family history of diabetes have an increased risk of developing the condition.
While family history is a risk factor for diabetes, it doesn't explain the causes of diabetes mellitus in children.
It only highlights one of the risk factors.
Choice B rationale:
This statement accurately explains one of the causes of diabetes mellitus in children.
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
This immune-mediated destruction of beta cells is a key factor in the development of type 1 diabetes in children.
Choice C rationale:
This statement mentions that certain viral infections and dietary factors may trigger the development of diabetes in susceptible individuals.
Choice D rationale:
This statement is more relevant to type 2 diabetes as it mentions a combination of insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Stating that viral infections are the primary cause of diabetes in children is inaccurate.
While viral infections can play a role in the development of diabetes, they are not the primary cause.
Diabetes has multifactorial causes, including genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and viral infections are only one of several potential triggers.
Choice C rationale:
Suggesting that viral infections only lead to insulin resistance in children is an oversimplification.
Viral infections can have various effects on the development of diabetes, and it's not limited to insulin resistance.
The relationship between viral infections and diabetes is complex and can involve factors like inflammation and autoimmunity.
Choice D rationale:
Diabetes is associated with viral infections, especially in certain cases.
However, stating that diabetes is not associated with viral infections in any way is incorrect.
Viral infections can sometimes trigger an autoimmune response that damages pancreatic beta cells or cause inflammation that affects insulin sensitivity.
Therefore, it's essential to acknowledge the potential link between viral infections and diabetes, particularly in susceptible individuals.
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