A nurse is providing education to a child and their family about diabetes management.
Which of the following statements is essential for the nurse to include in the education process?

Blood glucose levels.

B. Electrolyte levels.

C. Respiratory rate.

E. Skin color.

Choice A rationale:

Monitoring blood glucose levels is essential in managing a child with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Hyperglycemia is a hallmark of DKA, and effective insulin therapy is necessary to lower blood glucose levels to normal or near-normal ranges.

Frequent blood glucose monitoring helps adjust insulin infusion rates, preventing both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

Choice B rationale:

Electrolyte levels, including potassium, sodium, and chloride, should be closely monitored in a child with DKA.

DKA can lead to electrolyte imbalances, such as hypokalemia and hyponatremia, which can be life-threatening.

Monitoring electrolytes ensures that appropriate replacements are administered to correct these imbalances.

Choice C rationale:

Respiratory rate monitoring is vital to detect signs of impending respiratory distress in a child with DKA.

As DKA progresses, metabolic acidosis can result in Kussmaul respirations, which are deep and rapid.

Monitoring respiratory rate can help identify respiratory distress early and prompt timely intervention.

Choice E rationale:

Monitoring skin color is important to assess perfusion and oxygenation.

In severe cases of DKA, there may be impaired tissue perfusion, resulting in pallor or cyanosis.

Skin color changes can be an early indicator of circulatory compromise, and prompt action can help prevent complications associated with inadequate tissue perfusion.

Choice D rationale:

Cardiac output is not typically monitored as a routine measure in managing DKA.

While DKA can affect cardiac function indirectly by causing electrolyte imbalances, monitoring cardiac output is not a direct preventive measure for DKA complications.

Instead, the focus should be on correcting the underlying metabolic and electrolyte imbalances.

Dehydration.

Choice A rationale:

Hypovolemia Hypovolemia refers to a decreased blood volume and can lead to decreased urine output.

However, in the context of a patient with suspected DKA, the primary concern is dehydration due to excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes through polyuria (excessive urination) and osmotic diuresis.

This leads to dehydration rather than hypovolemia.

Choice B rationale:

Hyperglycemia Hyperglycemia is a characteristic feature of DKA, but it doesn't directly cause decreased urine output.

In fact, hyperglycemia often leads to increased urine output due to the osmotic diuresis caused by high blood glucose levels.

Choice D rationale:

Prolonged capillary refill time Prolonged capillary refill time is a sign of poor perfusion and can be associated with hypovolemia.

However, it is not the primary concern in a patient with suspected DKA who is experiencing dehydration.

The decreased urine output is primarily due to the loss of fluids and electrolytes from hyperglycemia and osmotic diuresis.

Now, let's move on to the next question.