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.
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).
Nursing Test Bank
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Administer antibiotics when available. – Correct Answer. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency. The priority is to start IV antibiotics as soon as possible to prevent complications such as sepsis, increased ICP, and neurological damage.
B. Reduce environmental stimuli. – Incorrect. While reducing stimuli helps with photophobia and headache, it is not the priority over immediate antibiotic therapy.
C. Document intake and output. – Incorrect. Monitoring fluid balance is important, but it does not directly treat the infection.
D. Maintain seizure precautions. – Incorrect. Seizure precautions are necessary, but rapid antibiotic administration takes precedence.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Suggest the visitors stay a bit longer to provide support and distraction. – Noise and stimulation can worsen migraines.
B. Suggest the patient ambulates in the hallway to become fatigued, so they can rest. – Movement may increase pain.
C. Turn the lights and television off except for a night light. – Correct Answer. Migraines are worsened by light and noise, so a dark and quiet environment is best.
D. Turn on the television to be used as a distractor for the patient. – Bright lights and sound can aggravate symptoms.
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