A new mother on the postpartum unit runs out of the room screaming that her newborn infant's crib is empty and the baby is missing.

Which action should the nurse take first?

The correct answer is 30 mL/hour.

Step 1 is to calculate the total amount of norepinephrine in the IV bag: 4 mg norepinephrine ÷ 1000 mL = 0.004 mg/mL

Step 2 is to convert the patient's weight from pounds to kilograms: 176 pounds ÷ 2.2 = 80 kilograms

Step 3 is to calculate the total amount of norepinephrine the patient will receive per minute: 2 mcg/min × 60 min = 120 mcg/min

Step 4 is to convert micrograms (mcg) to milligrams (mg): 120 mcg ÷ 1000 = 0.12 mg

Step 5 is to calculate the total volume of norepinephrine needed per hour: 0.12 mg ÷ 0.004 mg/mL = 30 mL/hour

Therefore, the nurse should program the infusion pump to deliver 30 mL/hour.

Choice A rationale:

Correcting electrolytes that are out of normal range is a crucial goal of therapy for this client. In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the body’s cells are unable to use glucose for energy due to a lack of insulin. This leads to the breakdown of fat for energy, producing ketones as a by-product. Ketones are acidic and can cause the blood’s pH to decrease, leading to metabolic acidosis. This process also leads to an increased production and excretion of electrolytes such as potassium and sodium. Therefore, correcting these electrolyte imbalances is a key goal of therapy.

Choice B rationale:

While promoting oxygenation to tissues is generally important in critical care, it is not a specific goal in the management of DKA. The primary issues in DKA are metabolic in nature, including hyperglycemia, ketosis, and acidosis.

Choice C rationale:

Preventing hyperventilation is not a specific goal in the management of DKA. Hyperventilation in DKA is a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis (Kussmaul breathing). The body tries to expel more carbon dioxide to reduce the acidity of the blood.

Choice D rationale:

Reversing dehydration is another important goal of therapy for this client. In DKA, high blood glucose levels lead to osmotic diuresis, where water is drawn into the urine from the blood, leading to dehydration. This can cause hypotension and reduced tissue perfusion. Therefore, reversing dehydration through fluid replacement is a key part of treatment.

Choice E rationale:

Replacing insulin is a fundamental goal of therapy for this client. Insulin deficiency is the primary cause of DKA. Insulin allows glucose to enter cells where it can be used for energy, preventing the breakdown of fat for energy and the subsequent production of ketones.

Choice F rationale:

Providing respiratory support may be necessary in severe cases of DKA where the patient’s compensatory respiratory efforts are insufficient to maintain adequate gas exchange. However, it is not one of the primary goals of therapy in DKA management.