A nurse is caring for an adolescent who has been diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The nurse notes the following:

Exhibits

When planning care for this client, the nurse should anticipate a provider's prescription for which of the following?

Choice A reason: Using a 20 gauge needle is not the best action, as it is too large for a preschooler's deltoid muscle. A 20 gauge needle has a diameter of 0.9 mm, which may cause more pain and tissue damage. A smaller gauge needle, such as a 23 or 25 gauge, is recommended for intramuscular injections in children.

Choice B reason: Inserting the needle just below the acromion process is not the best action, as it may not reach the deltoid muscle. The acromion process is the bony prominence at the top of the shoulder. The deltoid muscle is located on the lateral aspect of the upper arm, about two finger widths below the acromion process. The nurse should palpate the acromion process and measure the distance to the injection site.

Choice C reason: Inserting the needle at a 15 degree angle is not the best action, as it may not penetrate the muscle tissue. A 15 degree angle is used for intradermal injections, which are given into the dermis, the layer of skin below the epidermis. Intramuscular injections are given into the muscle tissue, which requires a 90 degree angle. The nurse should hold the syringe perpendicular to the skin and insert the needle quickly and firmly.

Choice D reason: Using a 1.8 mm (0.5 in) needle is the best action, as it is the appropriate length for a preschooler's deltoid muscle. The length of the needle should be based on the child's age, weight, and muscle mass. A 1.8 mm (0.5 in) needle is suitable for children who weigh less than 12 kg (26 lb). A longer needle, such as a 2.5 mm (1 in) needle, may be used for children who weigh more than 12 kg (26 lb).

Choice A reason: Hypovolemia is a condition of low blood volume due to fluid loss from the burn injury. It can cause decreased urine output, hypotension, tachycardia, and poor skin turgor. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, fluid intake and output, and weight. The nurse should administer lactated Ringer's solution to maintain urine output of 30 ml/hr.

Choice B reason: Hyperkalemia is a condition of high potassium levels in the blood due to cellular damage from the burn injury. It can cause peaked T waves, dysrhythmias, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrest. The nurse should monitor the client's serum potassium levels, electrocardiogram, and cardiac status. The nurse should avoid administering potassium-containing fluids or medications.

Choice C reason: Hypocalcemia is a condition of low calcium levels in the blood due to fluid shifts from the burn injury. It can cause positive Chvostek's sign, tetany, seizures, and hypotension. The nurse should monitor the client's serum calcium levels, neurological status, and blood pressure. The nurse should administer calcium supplements as prescribed.

Choice D reason: Hypernatremia is a condition of high sodium levels in the blood due to fluid loss from the burn injury. It can cause dry mucous membranes, thirst, agitation, and seizures. The nurse should monitor the client's serum sodium levels, hydration status, and mental status. The nurse should administer hypotonic fluids as prescribed.