A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis is brought to the emergency department. Which prescribed action should the nurse implement first?
Bring the patient a meal.
Administer Lantus insulin IV.
Give sodium bicarbonate 50 mEq IV push.
Start an infusion of normal saline at 125 ml/hr.
The Correct Answer is D
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. The initial management of DKA involves fluid resuscitation with intravenous normal saline to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, starting an infusion of normal saline at 125 ml/hr is the first prescribed action the nurse should implement.
Bringing the patient a meal is not a priority at this time because the patient's blood glucose levels need to be stabilized before they can safely consume food. Administering Lantus insulin IV and giving sodium bicarbonate 50 mEq IV push are also not the first-line treatments for DKA. Lantus insulin is a long-acting insulin used to treat hyperglycemia over an extended period and should not be given intravenously. Sodium bicarbonate may be used to correct acidosis, but it is not the first priority in DKA management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
"Coffee-ground" emesis is a term used to describe vomit that has the appearance of coffee grounds, which indicates that the vomit contains partially digested blood. This is a serious symptom that could be indicative of an upper gastrointestinal bleed. An endoscopy is a diagnostic test that allows healthcare providers to visually examine the upper gastrointestinal tract and identify the source of bleeding.
Barium studies and angiography are not typically used to diagnose upper gastrointestinal bleeds. Gastric analysis may be useful in other diagnostic situations, but it is not the most appropriate test for a patient with "coffee-ground" emesis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Since the patient's blood glucose level is less than 70 mg/dL and they are symptomatic, the first step is to administer 1 mg Glucagon IM. This will help increase the patient's blood glucose level quickly.
After administering Glucagon, the nurse should then call the MD to report the low blood glucose level and discuss any necessary adjustments to the patient's insulin regimen. It is important to note that in this situation, administering Humalog insulin would further lower the patient's blood glucose level and could worsen their symptoms. Encouraging the patient to eat their meal is also important, but it should be done after the administration of Glucagon to help maintain their blood glucose level.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today