A nurse is teaching an older adult client who has diabetes mellitus about preventing the long term complications of retinopathy and nephropathy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. Glucocorticoid medications are not the primary treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). They may be used in specific situations, but they are not the first-line treatment.

B. Oral hypoglycemic medications are not appropriate for a client with DKA. DKA is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment with insulin and intravenous fluids.

C. Dextrose 5% in 0.45% sodium chloride is not the initial treatment for DKA. This solution contains dextrose, which would raise the blood glucose levels, but it does not provide the necessary insulin to address the underlying issue of insulin deficiency.

D. Correct. The initial treatment for DKA involves administering intravenous fluids, typically with 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline). This helps to restore blood volume, correct electrolyte imbalances, and gradually lower the high blood glucose levels. Insulin is also administered concurrently to address the underlying insulin deficiency.

A. NPH insulin: NPH insulin, also known as Neutral Protamine Hagedorn, is an intermediate acting insulin. It has a slower onset of action and a longer duration compared to regular insulin. It is not the best choice for treating diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) because it does not act quickly enough to lower dangerously high blood glucose levels in this acute situation.

B. Insulin glargine: Insulin glargine is a long-acting basal insulin. It has a slow, steady release and provides a consistent level of insulin over an extended period. Like NPH insulin, it is not suitable for rapidly lowering blood glucose levels in a DKA emergency.

C. Insulin detemir: Insulin detemir is another long-acting basal insulin similar to glargine. It has a slow onset and provides a sustained release of insulin. It is not the first-line choice for treating DKA due to its slower action.

D. Regular Insulin: Regular insulin, also known as short-acting or fast-acting insulin, has a rapid onset of action. When administered intravenously, it can quickly lower blood glucose levels. This makes it the preferred choice for treating diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) where prompt action is essential to correct the severe hyperglycemia and associated metabolic imbalances.