A nurse is collecting data from a client who is experiencing ketoacidosis. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect to find?
Hypertension
Fruity breath odor
Protruding eyeballs
Decreased urinary output
The Correct Answer is B
A. Hypertension: Clients experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) are more likely to present with hypotension rather than hypertension due to dehydration caused by osmotic diuresis. Volume depletion significantly lowers blood pressure rather than raising it in the setting of DKA.
B. Fruity breath odor: A fruity or acetone-like breath odor is a hallmark sign of DKA. It results from the accumulation of ketones, particularly acetone, in the blood, which the body attempts to eliminate through the lungs, giving the breath its characteristic sweet or fruity smell.
C. Protruding eyeballs: Protruding eyeballs, or exophthalmos, are associated with hyperthyroidism, particularly Graves' disease, not with diabetic ketoacidosis. DKA affects metabolic and acid-base balance but does not cause changes to eye appearance or positioning.
D. Decreased urinary output: In the early stages of DKA, clients usually experience increased urinary output (polyuria) due to osmotic diuresis from hyperglycemia. Decreased output may occur only in the later stages when severe dehydration and kidney compromise develop, but it is not an early expected finding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A toddler who has periorbital cellulitis and has an axillary temperature of 37.6°C (99.7°F): A mild temperature in the context of periorbital cellulitis is expected and not an immediate emergency. Although periorbital cellulitis can be serious, this temperature alone does not demand immediate action over other critical symptoms.
B. An adolescent who has influenza and reports a headache of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10: A headache with influenza is common and requires monitoring, but unless there are signs of severe neurological involvement, it is not the highest priority compared to potential circulatory compromise.
C. An infant who had a pyloromyotomy 12 hr ago and spit up after the last feeding: Mild vomiting or spitting up is common following a pyloromyotomy and is not unusual within the first 24 hours postoperatively. It generally does not require immediate intervention unless persistent or worsening.
D. A child who had a cast placed 4 hr ago and reports numbness in the affected extremity: Numbness may indicate impaired circulation or nerve compression, a sign of possible compartment syndrome. This is a surgical emergency that can result in permanent damage if not promptly assessed and treated.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Active movement is present: The presence of active movement in the fingers and toes of the affected arm indicates that nerve and muscle function are intact, which is a positive finding. It indicates there is no impairment in function of the affected arm.
B. Pain is 4 on scale of 0 to 10: A pain level of 4 is moderate pain and might be expected after a fracture. As long as pain is being managed appropriately with prescribed medications and no other concerning symptoms are present, it does not necessarily require immediate reporting.
C. Capillary refill is less than 2 seconds: A capillary refill time of less than 2 seconds is normal. This suggests good blood flow to the affected arm and is not an issue that needs reporting.
D. Skin is cool to the touch: A cool skin temperature on the affected arm could indicate impaired circulation, possibly due to swelling or tightness of the cast, which could lead to compartment syndrome—a serious condition that requires immediate intervention. Therefore, this finding should be reported to the provider immediately.
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