A nurse is providing care for an older adult client who has hyperglycemia, polydipsia, and polyuria. Which of the following manifestations supports the clinical presentation of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS)? (Select All that Apply.)
Acetone breath.
Fever.
Serum glucose 800 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL).
Serum bicarbonate 15 mEq/L (21 to 28 mEq/L).
Insidious onset.
Correct Answer : B,C,E
Choice A rationale
Acetone breath is a characteristic symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), not hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS). In DKA, the body produces ketones, leading to a fruity or acetone-like breath odor. HHS, on the other hand, does not typically involve significant ketone production.
Choice B rationale
Fever can be a manifestation of HHS, often due to an underlying infection or illness that precipitates the hyperglycemic state. Infections are common triggers for HHS, leading to elevated body temperature.
Choice C rationale
Serum glucose levels of 800 mg/dL are indicative of HHS. HHS is characterized by extremely high blood glucose levels, often exceeding 600 mg/dL, without significant ketoacidosis.
Choice D rationale
Serum bicarbonate levels of 15 mEq/L are more indicative of DKA rather than HHS. In HHS, bicarbonate levels are usually within the normal range because there is no significant ketoacidosis.
Choice E rationale
Insidious onset is a hallmark of HHS. The condition develops gradually over days to weeks, unlike DKA, which has a more rapid onset.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Kernig’s sign is associated with meningitis, not hypocalcemia. It involves pain and resistance when attempting to extend the leg at the knee while the hip is flexed.
Choice B rationale
Brudzinski’s sign is also associated with meningitis, not hypocalcemia. It involves involuntary lifting of the legs when lifting a patient’s head.
Choice C rationale
Chvostek’s sign is a clinical sign of hypocalcemia. It involves twitching of the facial muscles in response to tapping over the facial nerve.
Choice D rationale
Cullen’s sign is associated with acute pancreatitis and involves bruising around the umbilicus. It is not related to hypocalcemia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Respiratory alkalosis is incorrect. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and low PaCO₂, which is not consistent with the given ABG values. The client’s pH is low (7.22), indicating acidosis, and the PaCO₂ is high (68 mm Hg), indicating a respiratory cause.
Choice B rationale
Respiratory acidosis is correct. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the blood, leading to a decrease in pH. The given ABG values show a low pH (7.22) and a high PaCO₂ (68 mm Hg), which are indicative of respiratory acidosis. The elevated bicarbonate (28 mEq/L) suggests partial compensation by the kidneys.
Choice C rationale
Metabolic acidosis is incorrect. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and low bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) levels. In this case, the bicarbonate level is elevated (28 mEq/L), which is not consistent with metabolic acidosis. The primary issue is respiratory, as indicated by the high PaCO₂.
Choice D rationale
Metabolic alkalosis is incorrect. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and high bicarbonate levels. The given ABG values show a low pH (7.22), which indicates acidosis, not alkalosis. Additionally, the primary issue is respiratory, as indicated by the high PaCO₂.
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