A nurse is providing care for a client who has diabetes mellitus. Which of the following laboratory findings indicates the client most likely to be diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Serum sodium 140 mg/dL

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 18 mg/dL

Serum bicarbonate less than 15

Arterial blood pH 7.46

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Serum sodium 140 mg/dL: This is a normal sodium level and does not provide diagnostic information specific to DKA. Sodium may fluctuate in DKA but is not a defining lab value for the condition.
B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 18 mg/dL: This BUN level is within normal limits. Although BUN can be elevated in DKA due to dehydration, a normal value does not support the diagnosis of DKA on its own.
C. Serum bicarbonate less than 15: A low bicarbonate level indicates metabolic acidosis, which is a key diagnostic feature of DKA. It reflects the buffering of excess ketone acids in the blood, making this a highly specific indicator.
D. Arterial blood pH 7.46: This value is slightly alkalotic and inconsistent with DKA, which is characterized by metabolic acidosis and a pH usually below 7.3. Elevated pH would suggest another acid-base disorder.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Urine output less than 50 mL in 24 hr: Extremely low urine output, or oliguria, may indicate worsening SIADH or acute kidney injury. Conivaptan is a vasopressin receptor antagonist used to promote free water excretion, so minimal urine output despite treatment is alarming and requires immediate provider notification.
B. Dry mucous membranes: This can occur with fluid loss and is a sign of mild dehydration, but it is not the most urgent concern. It should be monitored, but it does not necessarily signal treatment failure or an acute complication.
C. Urine specific gravity 1.020: This value is within normal range and indicates that the kidneys are concentrating urine appropriately. It does not indicate a dangerous or emergent condition.
D. Serum sodium 130 mEq/L: While this level is low, it is a common finding in SIADH. Unless sodium levels drop rapidly or fall below 125 mEq/L, it is not typically considered an immediate emergency.

A. "Injections will work most quickly when given in the buttocks." B. "Injections will work most quickly when given in the thigh." C. "Injections will work most quickly when given in the upper arm." D. "Injections will work most quickly when given in the abdomen."

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. "Injections will work most quickly when given in the buttocks." The buttocks provide a larger muscle mass but are not the fastest site for insulin absorption. Insulin absorption from muscle tissue is slower compared to subcutaneous tissue, such as the abdomen.
B. "Injections will work most quickly when given in the thigh." While the thigh is a common site for insulin injection, it is not the fastest. Insulin absorption in the thigh is slower compared to the abdomen due to differences in the fat and muscle composition and blood flow.
C. "Injections will work most quickly when given in the upper arm." Insulin injected into the upper arm is absorbed more slowly than in the abdomen. The absorption rate can vary depending on the individual’s body composition, but the upper arm generally has a lower blood flow compared to the abdomen.
D. "Injections will work most quickly when given in the abdomen." The abdomen is the preferred site for insulin injection because it has a higher blood supply and faster absorption rate compared to other areas like the buttocks, thighs, or upper arms. Therefore, insulin injected into the abdomen will typically work more quickly.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is providing care for a client who has diabetes mellitus. Which of the following laboratory findings indicates the client most likely to be diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing care for a client who has syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) and is being treated with conivaptan. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is providing education about insulin management to a client newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following statements by the nurse about injection site selection is accurate?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is educating a client who has HIV about the infection process. Which of the following features of the virus should the nurse explain can result in opportunistic infection?

A nurse is admitting a client who has pyelonephritis. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect to be present during the assessment? (Select All that Apply.)

A nurse is caring for a client who has spinal stenosis. Which of the following conditions should the nurse recognize as a risk factor for spinal stenosis?

In which of the following types of pneumonia does consolidation involve the entire lobe of the lung?

A nurse is educating a client about the risk factors for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

A nurse is teaching an in-service about cancer at a staff meeting. Which of the following information should the nurse include about adenocarcinoma?

Which of the following is the most common risk factor for emphysema?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a hyperkalemia and is receiving insulin therapy. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as an adverse outcome?