A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who has diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and a blood glucose level of 925 mg/dL. The nurse should anticipate which of the following prescriptions from the provider?
Oral hypoglycemic medications
0.9% sodium chloride IV bolus
Dextrose 5% in 0.45% sodium chloride
Glucocorticoid medications
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect because oral hypoglycemic medications are not effective for treating DKA. Oral hypoglycemic medications are drugs that lower the blood glucose level by stimulating insulin secretion or increasing insulin sensitivity. They may be used for clients who have type 2 diabetes mellitus, but they do not work for clients who have type 1 diabetes mellitus or DKA.
Choice B Reason: This choice is correct because 0.9% sodium chloride IV bolus is an effective treatment for DKA. 0.9% sodium chloride is an isotonic solution that contains the same concentration of solutes as blood plasma. It may be used for clients who have fluid loss, dehydration, or shock. In DKA, the body breaks down fat for energy due to insulin deficiency or resistance, resulting in high levels of ketones and acids in the blood. This causes osmotic diuresis, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and metabolic acidosis. Therefore, administering 0.9% sodium chloride IV bolus can help to restore fluid volume and correct electrolyte imbalance.
Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect because dextrose 5% in 0.45% sodium chloride is not indicated for treating DKA. Dextrose 5% in 0.45% sodium chloride is a hypertonic solution that contains more solutes than blood plasma. It may be used for clients who have hyponatremia, cerebral edema, or malnutrition, but it can worsen hyperglycemia and osmotic diuresis in clients who have DKA.
Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect because glucocorticoid medications are not indicated for treating DKA. Glucocorticoid medications are drugs that mimic the effects of cortisol, a hormone that regulates stress response and inflammation. They may be used for clients who have allergic reactions, asthma, or autoimmune diseases, but they can increase blood glucose levels and inhibit insulin action in clients who have DKA.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because magnesium 2.5 mEq/L is a normal value and does not indicate an increased risk of AKI. Magnesium is an electrolyte that plays a role in muscle and nerve function, blood pressure regulation, and energy production. The normal range for magnesium is 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because serum osmolality 290 mOsm/kg H2O is a normal value and does not indicate an increased risk of AKI. Serum osmolality is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the blood, such as sodium, glucose, and urea. The normal range for serum osmolality is 275 to 295 mOsm/kg H2O.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 20 mg/dL is a normal value and does not indicate an increased risk of AKI. BUN is a measure of the amount of urea, a waste product of protein metabolism, in the blood. The normal range for BUN is 7 to 20 mg/dL.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because serum creatinine 1.8 mg/dL is an elevated value and indicates an increased risk of AKI. Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism that is filtered by the kidneys. The normal range for serum creatinine is 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for women and 0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL for men. An increase in serum creatinine indicates a decrease in kidney function and glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is a. Respiratory status.
Choice A: Respiratory Status
Reason: After the evacuation of a subdural hematoma, monitoring the respiratory status is crucial. This is because changes in respiratory patterns can indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP) or brainstem compression, which are life-threatening conditions. Ensuring that the airway is clear and that the patient is breathing adequately is the top priority. Normal respiratory rate for adults is 12-20 breaths per minute.
Choice B: Temperature
Reason: While monitoring temperature is important to detect infections or other complications, it is not the immediate priority in the acute postoperative period following a subdural hematoma evacuation. Fever can indicate infection, but it is less likely to cause immediate life-threatening complications compared to respiratory issues.
Choice C: Intracranial Pressure
Reason: Monitoring intracranial pressure (ICP) is very important in patients with brain injuries. Normal ICP ranges from 5-15 mmHg. However, changes in respiratory status can be an early indicator of increased ICP. Therefore, while ICP monitoring is critical, ensuring the patient’s respiratory status is stable takes precedence.
Choice D: Serum Electrolytes
Reason: Serum electrolytes are important to monitor for overall metabolic stability and to detect imbalances that could affect neurological function. Normal ranges for key electrolytes are: Sodium (135-145 mEq/L), Potassium (3.5-4.5 mEq/L), and Chloride (80-100 mEq/L). However, these are not the immediate priority in the acute phase following surgery compared to respiratory status.
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