A client with intestinal obstruction has a nasogastric tube to low intermittent suction and is receiving an intravenous (IV) infusion of lactated Ringer's at 100 mL/hour.
Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider? Reference Range: Potassium (3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L).

Choice A rationale:

Hyperglycemia is a key symptom of DKA. It occurs when there is an insufficient amount of insulin in the body to allow glucose to enter cells for use as energy. As a result, the body begins to break down fat for fuel, leading to the production of ketones and causing blood glucose levels to rise1. Normal blood glucose levels are between 4.0 to 6.0 mmol/L when fasting and up to 7.8 mmol/L two hours after eating2.

Choice B rationale:

Ketonuria, or the presence of ketones in the urine, is another symptom of DKA. When the body breaks down fat for energy, ketones are produced. If too many ketones build up in the blood, they can spill over into the urine1.

Choice C rationale:

Metabolic acidosis occurs in DKA due to the accumulation of ketones in the blood. Ketones are acidic, and when they build up in the blood, they cause the blood to become more acidic, leading to metabolic acidosis1.

Choice D rationale:

Hypokalemia is not a symptom of DKA. In fact, patients with DKA often have high potassium levels in their blood at presentation because acidosis causes potassium to move from inside the cells into the bloodstream1. However, during treatment for DKA, when insulin is administered and acidosis is corrected, potassium moves back into the cells and can lead to low potassium levels or hypokalemia1.

Choice E rationale:

Dehydration is a common symptom of DKA. High blood glucose levels lead to increased urination as the body tries to get rid of the excess glucose. This can result in dehydration1.

Choice F rationale:

Kussmaul respirations are a type of hyperventilation that occurs in DKA as the body tries to get rid of excess acids (ketones) through the lungs by breathing rapidly and deeply1.

Choice A rationale:

The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole has a synergistic effect, which means that the two drugs work together to inhibit bacterial growth more effectively than either drug alone. This combination is commonly used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by susceptible bacteria.

Choice B rationale:

The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole does not have an additive effect that reduces the dosage and frequency of administration of each drug. Instead, it is prescribed as a fixed combination with specific dosages of each drug.

Choice C rationale:

The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole does not have an antagonistic effect that prevents the development of resistance to either drug. In fact, the combination is chosen because it covers a broader spectrum of bacteria and reduces the likelihood of resistance development.

Choice D rationale:

The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole does not have a selective effect that targets only the bacteria causing the UTI and spares the normal flora. It affects a wide range of bacteria, including both pathogenic and normal flora.