A nurse is providing care for a patient who is 28 weeks pregnant and has received betamethasone.
The nurse recognizes that the use of betamethasone affects which of the following?

Choice A rationale

Cheyne-Stokes breathing, characterized by a cycle of increasing and decreasing respiratory rate and depth, is not a typical symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is more commonly associated with Kussmaul breathing, which is rapid, deep, and labored.

Choice B rationale

An acetone odor to the breath is a classic symptom of DKA. This is due to the body breaking down fat for energy, which produces ketones. These ketones can cause the breath to smell fruity or like nail polish remover.

Choice C rationale

A blood glucose level below 40 mg/dL is not a symptom of DKA. In fact, DKA is characterized by high blood glucose levels, typically above 250 mg/dL111213.

Choice D rationale

Malignant hypertension is not a typical symptom of DKA. While DKA can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that may affect blood pressure, it does not typically cause malignant hypertension.

Choice A rationale

Decreased muscle mass is a common age-related musculoskeletal change. As people age, they tend to lose muscle mass due to changes in muscle fiber and decreased physical activity. This can lead to weakness and decreased mobility.

Choice B rationale

Thickened vertebral disks are not typically an age-related change. Instead, the disks often become thinner and less flexible with age, which can lead to conditions like degenerative disk disease.

Choice C rationale

Increased force of isometric contraction is not an age-related musculoskeletal change. In fact, both isometric and isotonic muscle strength tend to decrease with age.

Choice D rationale

Reduced chest width is not typically an age-related musculoskeletal change. However, changes in posture and spinal curvature can affect the shape and function of the chest.