A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has been receiving insulin for 6 hours. Laboratory finding are Na+ 131, K+ 3.7, CL- 102, HCO3 22, and glucose 170. Which action should the nurse take?

Give potassium intravenously.

Administer D5 NS with the insulin drip.

Administer 3% NS at 200ml/hr

Expect the insulin drip to be discontinued.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Give potassium intravenously. – The potassium level is 3.7 (within normal range 3.5–5.0), so potassium is not needed yet.

B. Administer D5 NS with the insulin drip. – Correct Answer. Once glucose drops to ≤200 mg/dL, dextrose is added to prevent hypoglycemia while continuing insulin to correct ketoacidosis.

C. Administer 3% NS at 200 mL/hr. – Hypertonic saline is used for severe hyponatremia, which is not the case here.

D. Expect the insulin drip to be discontinued. – The insulin drip is not discontinued until ketoacidosis has fully resolved (when HCO3 > 18, pH > 7.3, and anion gap normalizes).

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Alert and oriented, blood and urine without ketones, no orthostatic blood pressure changes – These findings indicate improved hydration, resolution of hyperosmolarity, and recovery of neurological function, key markers of HHS improvement.

B. Alert and oriented, balanced intake and output, moist mucous membranes – While improved hydration is good, ketone clearance and hemodynamic stability are more important indicators.

C. Respirations easy and unlabored, eats 50-75% of meals, vital signs stable – Respiratory status is not the primary concern in HHS.

D. Equal intake and output, denies pain or shortness of breath – These signs do not specifically indicate resolution of HHS.

A. Neutropenic B. Contact C. Droplet D. Bleeding

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Neutropenic – Used for low WBC count, not platelets.

B. Contact – Used for infections like C. diff or MRSA.

C. Droplet – Used for respiratory illnesses like flu or meningitis.

D. Bleeding – Correct Answer. A low platelet count increases the risk of bleeding, so bleeding precautions are necessary (e.g., soft toothbrush, avoiding IM injections, fall precautions).

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A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has been receiving insulin for 6 hours. Laboratory finding are Na+ 131, K+ 3.7, CL- 102, HCO3 22, and glucose 170. Which action should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which of the following evaluation data would the nurse recognize that a patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS) has improved during the first 24 hours upon admission to the hospital?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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