A nurse in an emergency department is caring for an older adult client who has diabetes mellitus and is in a hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Evaluate the client's understanding of diabetes management.

Administer potassium supplements.

Initiate a continuous infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride.

Chek for improvements in the client's level of consciousness.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) Evaluate the client's understanding of diabetes management: While it is important to assess the client’s understanding of diabetes management to prevent future hyperglycemic episodes, this is not the immediate priority. The client's current hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state needs urgent intervention to stabilize their condition before educational measures can be effective.

B) Administer potassium supplements: Potassium supplementation may be necessary, especially if the client is hypokalemic, but it is not the first action. Electrolyte levels should be monitored and corrected as part of the treatment, but the initial priority is to address the severe dehydration and hyperglycemia.

C) Initiate a continuous infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride: This is the most critical first step. Clients in a hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state are typically severely dehydrated due to osmotic diuresis. Initiating a continuous infusion of isotonic saline helps to restore intravascular volume, improve perfusion, and stabilize hemodynamics, which is essential before addressing other issues.

D) Check for improvements in the client's level of consciousness: Monitoring the client's level of consciousness is important as it provides information about their neurological status and response to treatment. However, this is a subsequent action after initiating fluid resuscitation, which directly addresses the immediate life-threatening aspects of the hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Protective environment
This type of isolation is used for clients with weakened immune systems to protect them from infections. It is not necessary for pertussis, which requires droplet precautions to prevent spread.

B) Airborne precautions
These are used for diseases that are spread through tiny droplets that remain in the air, such as tuberculosis. Pertussis spreads through larger respiratory droplets, not lingering in the air, so airborne precautions are not needed.

C) Contact precautions
These are used for infections spread by direct touch or contact with surfaces. Pertussis primarily spreads through respiratory droplets rather than direct contact, making contact precautions unnecessary.

D) Droplet precautions
Droplet precautions are appropriate for pertussis, as it spreads via respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This involves wearing masks and maintaining distance to prevent transmission.

A. Consume a diet low in cholesterol." B. Increase your intake of refined carbohydrates." C. Consume a diet high in calories." D. Reduce your dietary fiber intake

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Consume a diet low in cholesterol: A diet low in cholesterol is beneficial for preventing cholelithiasis (gallstones), as high cholesterol levels can contribute to the formation of cholesterol stones in the gallbladder. By reducing dietary cholesterol, the risk of gallstone formation can be minimized.

B) Increase your intake of refined carbohydrates: Increasing the intake of refined carbohydrates can lead to higher levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood, which can promote the formation of gallstones. This dietary change is not recommended for preventing cholelithiasis.

C) Consume a diet high in calories: A high-calorie diet, especially if it leads to obesity, increases the risk of developing gallstones. Obesity is a significant risk factor for cholelithiasis, and a high-calorie diet can contribute to weight gain and the development of gallstones.

D) Reduce your dietary fiber intake: Dietary fiber helps in reducing cholesterol levels by binding bile acids in the intestines, which in turn can prevent the formation of cholesterol gallstones. Reducing fiber intake would be counterproductive and increase the risk of cholelithiasis.

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A nurse in an emergency department is caring for an older adult client who has diabetes mellitus and is in a hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

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