A nurse is caring for a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and a capillary blood glucose reading of 48 mg/dL. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect action, because covering the insertion site with a hydrocolloid dressing can prevent air from escaping and cause a subcutaneous emphysema, which is a complication of chest tube removal. The insertion site should be covered with a sterile gauze dressing and taped on three sides.

Choice B reason: This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should provide pain medication before removal, not immediately after, to reduce the discomfort and anxiety of the client.

Choice C reason: This is the correct action, because auscultating the lungs after removal can help assess the respiratory status and detect any signs of pneumothorax, such as diminished or absent breath sounds.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect action, because delegating removal of the chest tube to an AP is beyond the scope of practice and can cause harm to the client. The removal of the chest tube should be performed by the nurse or the provider.

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect finding, because Kussmaul respirations are a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus that occurs when the blood glucose is too high, not too low. Kussmaul respirations are deep and rapid breathing that help the body eliminate excess carbon dioxide and acid.

Choice B reason: This is the correct finding, because diaphoresis is a sign of hypoglycemia, which is a condition that occurs when the blood glucose is too low. Diaphoresis is excessive sweating that results from the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of epinephrine, which stimulate the body to increase the blood glucose level.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect finding, because decreased skin turgor is a sign of dehydration, which is a complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus that occurs when the blood glucose is too high, not too low. Decreased skin turgor is a loss of elasticity and firmness of the skin that results from the loss of fluid and electrolytes through the urine and the skin.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect finding, because ketonuria is a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus that occurs when the blood glucose is too high, not too low. Ketonuria is the presence of ketones in the urine, which are acidic substances that are produced when the body breaks down fat for energy due to the lack of insulin.