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 B
Explanation
A. Allergy to penicillins: Penicillin allergies are important when prescribing beta-lactam antibiotics like amoxicillin, but azithromycin is not a penicillin; it belongs to the macrolide class, so this allergy is not directly relevant.
B. Allergy to macrolides: Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. An allergy to macrolides must be reported immediately because administering azithromycin could trigger an allergic reaction, which could be serious or life-threatening.
C. Allergy to sulfonamides: Sulfonamide allergies are relevant when prescribing medications like sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, but azithromycin does not belong to the sulfonamide class.
D. Allergy to tetracyclines: Tetracyclines are a different class of antibiotics, used for infections such as acne or certain respiratory infections. An allergy to tetracyclines is not a concern when administering azithromycin.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Place the client on bedrest: While limiting the client’s activity is important to reduce oxygen demand, it is not the first priority. Immediate actions should focus on improving oxygenation and reducing respiratory distress.
B. Obtain the client's ABG levels: Although obtaining arterial blood gases provides valuable information about oxygenation and acid-base balance, it does not address the immediate need to relieve the client's breathing difficulty and hypoxia.
C. Elevate the head of the client's bed: Elevating the head of the bed promotes lung expansion and improves oxygenation, making it the first action to reduce dyspnea and ease the client’s breathing. It is a simple, quick intervention that can stabilize the client while further assessments are conducted.
D. Prepare the client for a ventilation-perfusion scan: A V/Q scan may be indicated to diagnose conditions like pulmonary embolism, but it is a diagnostic step that follows stabilization. Immediate efforts must first focus on ensuring adequate oxygenation and respiratory support.
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