A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetic ketoacidosis and hypoxia.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Obtain a prescription for supplemental oxygen.
Obtain a prescription to administer intravenous fluids.
Obtain a prescription to administer insulin.
Obtain a prescription to check the client's glucose level.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Obtaining a prescription for supplemental oxygen is the first action as hypoxia must be corrected immediately to ensure adequate tissue oxygenation.
Choice B rationale
Obtaining a prescription to administer intravenous fluids is essential to address dehydration but is secondary to correcting hypoxia.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining a prescription to administer insulin is crucial to manage hyperglycemia in diabetic ketoacidosis but not the initial step in this context.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a prescription to check the client's glucose level is necessary for monitoring but does not address the immediate need for oxygenation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","F","G","H"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The Glasgow Coma Scale score has decreased from 14 to 12, indicating a decline in the client's level of consciousness. This finding requires immediate attention as it may signify worsening neurological status or an underlying condition such as metabolic disturbances, hypoxia, or intracranial pathology.
Choice C rationale:
The bicarbonate level is 13 mEq/L, which is significantly lower than the normal range of 21-28 mEq/L. This indicates metabolic acidosis, a condition where the blood is too acidic. It requires immediate intervention to prevent severe complications such as shock or organ failure.
Choice F rationale:
The client's blood pressure readings show hypotension with a supine blood pressure of 100/70 mm Hg and sitting blood pressure of 85/50 mm Hg. This suggests hemodynamic instability, which could be due to dehydration, sepsis, or other critical conditions requiring urgent treatment.
Choice G rationale:
The ECG findings indicate tachycardia with a prolonged PR interval, widened QRS complex, and peaked T waves. These are signs of hyperkalemia, a potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate attention to prevent cardiac arrest.
Choice H rationale:
The sodium level is 152 mEq/L, which is higher than the normal range of 136-145 mEq/L, indicating hypernatremia. This electrolyte imbalance can lead to severe neurological symptoms and requires prompt correction to prevent complications such as seizures or coma.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Agitation is a common manifestation of hypoxemia due to insufficient oxygen reaching the brain and other vital organs.
Choice B rationale
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is not a typical manifestation of hypoxemia during an asthma attack.
Choice C rationale
Nausea can occur but is not a primary indicator of hypoxemia.
Choice D rationale
Hypotension may occur with severe hypoxemia but is not a direct manifestation of asthma-related hypoxemia.
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