A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) is admitted in diabetic ketoacidosis. Treatment is initiated, and the nurse is preparing to administer IV fluids containing potassium chloride. Which assessment data is most important for the nurse to obtain before starting the infusion?
Urinary output of 30 to 60 mL/hr.
Magnesium level.
Size of the IV catheter.
Serum glucose level.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Before administering IV fluids containing potassium chloride, it is crucial to ensure that the client has adequate urinary output, typically between 30 to 60 mL/hr. This indicates good kidney function, which is necessary for the excretion of potassium to prevent hyperkalemia, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Choice B reason: While magnesium levels can affect potassium levels, they are not the most critical assessment before potassium infusion. However, it is important to monitor magnesium levels as part of the overall electrolyte balance, especially in diabetic ketoacidosis.
Choice C reason: The size of the IV catheter is important for administration purposes, but it is not the most critical assessment data before starting potassium infusion. The catheter size affects the flow rate and comfort during infusion but does not impact the decision to start the infusion.
Choice D reason: Serum glucose level is a vital parameter to monitor in diabetic ketoacidosis, but it is not the most critical assessment before starting potassium infusion. The primary concern with potassium infusion is kidney function, as assessed by urinary output.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","E"]
Explanation
The correct answer is: A. Teach the client to use an incentive spirometer every 2 hours while awake and E. Remove the urinary catheter as soon as possible and encourage voiding.
Choice A reason:
Teaching the client to use an incentive spirometer every 2 hours while awake helps prevent postoperative pulmonary complications such as pneumonia. This intervention promotes lung expansion and clears secretions, reducing the risk of infection.
Choice B reason:
Administering low molecular weight heparin as prescribed is important for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, but it does not directly reduce the risk of infection.
Choice C reason:
Assessing the pain level and medicating as needed is crucial for patient comfort and mobility, but it does not directly address infection prevention. Effective pain management can indirectly support recovery by enabling better mobility and respiratory function.
Choice D reason:
Maintaining sequential compression devices while in bed is aimed at preventing DVT, not infections. These devices help improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Choice E reason:
Removing the urinary catheter as soon as possible and encouraging voiding reduces the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Prompt removal of the catheter minimizes the duration of exposure to potential pathogens, thereby reducing infection risk.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Obtaining a history of allergic reactions is crucial because the child will be exposed to various substances during cardiac catheterization, such as contrast dye, which could potentially cause an allergic reaction.
Choice B reason: Documenting lying, sitting, and standing blood pressures is important to assess for orthostatic hypotension, which could indicate volume depletion or cardiovascular problems that need to be addressed before the procedure.
Choice C reason: Performing a mini mental exam on the child is not typically part of the pre-procedure assessment for cardiac catheterization, especially given the young age of the child.
Choice D reason: Determining when the child last ate is essential because the child needs to have an empty stomach to reduce the risk of aspiration during sedation.
Choice E reason: Locating and marking the pedal pulses is important to establish baseline data so that post-procedure, any changes in the strength or presence of these pulses can be quickly identified, indicating potential complications.
Choice F reason: Measuring the child’s height and weight is generally part of a routine assessment but is not specifically focused on the pre-cardiac catheterization assessment unless dosing of medication or anesthesia is required based on weight.
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