A physician orders Lithium 5 grams/day is three divided doses PO for a client with bipolar disorder. The medication is supplied 400 mg/5 mL. How much will the nurse administer per dose? (Round the answer to the nearest tenth Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)
 

A. While skipping meals can affect blood glucose levels, it is not a direct primary cause of DKA. In some cases, if a person with Type 1 diabetes skips a meal and does not adjust their insulin accordingly, it could lead to hyperglycemia. However, the absence of insulin is the critical factor in DKA.
B. Gastrointestinal disturbances, such as vomiting or diarrhea, can contribute to DKA by leading to dehydration and altering insulin absorption. However, they are not primary causes. The main concern is that they may cause the individual to skip insulin or not manage their diabetes effectively.
C. DKA is primarily caused by a lack of insulin, which leads to the body breaking down fat for energy instead of glucose. This process produces ketones, which can accumulate and lead to acidosis. For individuals with Type 1 diabetes, consistently taking insulin is crucial to prevent DKA.
D. An insulin overdose can lead to hypoglycemia, not DKA. When too much insulin is taken, it can cause blood glucose levels to drop too low, which is the opposite of what occurs in DKA.

A. Teaching the client about maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, especially in preventing the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. Weight management through diet and exercise can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control.
B. At a fasting plasma glucose level of 120 mg/dL, the client is not typically at the stage where insulin therapy is necessary. Insulin is usually reserved for individuals with established diabetes, particularly if they are unable to achieve glycemic control through lifestyle changes or oral medications.
C. Similar to option B, the use of oral hypoglycemic agents is not indicated for someone with a fasting glucose of 120 mg/dL. This level suggests prediabetes, and the initial approach is generally focused on lifestyle changes rather than medication.
D. While self-monitoring of blood glucose is important for individuals with diabetes, it may not be the immediate focus for a client with a fasting plasma glucose level of 120 mg/dL unless the physician has indicated a diagnosis of diabetes or if the client has symptoms. In prediabetes, education around lifestyle modifications is typically prioritized.