A nurse is monitoring an older adult client who has an exacerbation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The nurse notes petechiae on the client's skin. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. This is a serious complication in DKA, particularly in children, where the shift in osmolality during treatment can lead to fluid shifts into the brain. It can present with neurological deterioration, headache, altered mental status, and even coma.
B. Septic shock
While infection can precipitate DKA, septic shock itself is not a direct complication of DKA. However, DKA can predispose patients to infections due to impaired immune function, dehydration, and hyperglycemia.
C. Cardiac arrhythmias
Electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia or hyperkalemia (depending on treatment phase), can predispose individuals with DKA to cardiac arrhythmias such as ventricular arrhythmias (e.g., ventricular tachycardia) or atrial fibrillation.
D. Renal failure
Acute kidney injury (AKI) can occur due to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and the direct effects of acidosis. However, with prompt and appropriate treatment, renal function typically recovers.
E. Hypotension
Dehydration and volume depletion are common in DKA due to osmotic diuresis and fluid loss. This can lead to hypovolemic shock and hypotension if not adequately managed with fluid resuscitation.
F Respiratory alkalosis
DKA is associated with metabolic acidosis, not respiratory alkalosis. The body compensates for acidosis by increasing respiratory rate (Kussmaul respirations) to blow off CO2 and normalize pH, but this does not lead to respiratory alkalosis.

C. A bed alarm is a device that triggers an alert when the client attempts to get out of bed or leaves a designated area. Bed alarms can be effective in alerting nursing staff to the client's movements, allowing for timely intervention to prevent wandering and ensure the client's safety. This intervention is commonly used in healthcare settings to monitor clients at risk for falls or wandering.

A Moving the client to a double room may not necessarily prevent wandering. In fact, it could potentially increase the risk if the client wanders into another resident's space or attempts to leave the room altogether.

B. Using chemical restraints (such as medications to sedate or calm the client) is not recommended unless absolutely necessary for the safety of the client or others. It does not address the underlying cause of wandering and can have significant adverse effects on the client's health and well-being.

D. Providing excessive stimulation can overwhelm and agitate clients with dementia, potentially worsening behaviors such as wandering. It is important to offer activities that are calming, engaging, and appropriate for the client's cognitive abilities.