An adolescent who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus at the age of 9, is admitted to the hospital in diabetic ketoacidosis. Which occurrence is the most likely cause of the ketoacidosis?
Skipped eating lunch.
Incorrectly administered too much insulin.
Had a cold and ear infection for the past two days.
Ate an extra peanut butter sandwich before gym class.
None
None
The Correct Answer is C
A. Skipped eating lunch would more likely cause hypoglycemia rather than diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). When a person with type 1 diabetes skips a meal but still takes insulin, blood glucose levels drop, leading to hypoglycemia, not the elevated glucose and ketone production seen in DKA.
B. Incorrectly administered too much insulin would also result in hypoglycemia rather than DKA. Administering excessive insulin causes blood glucose levels to fall too low, which does not trigger the fat breakdown and ketone production that characterize DKA.
C. Had a cold and ear infection for the past two days is the most likely cause of diabetic ketoacidosis. Illness and infection cause the body to release stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which increase blood glucose levels and counteract insulin. In type 1 diabetes, insufficient insulin leads to hyperglycemia, fat breakdown for energy, and the production of ketones, resulting in DKA.
D. Ate an extra peanut butter sandwich before gym class would not cause DKA. Consuming extra food may raise blood glucose temporarily, but it would not lead to the severe insulin deficiency and ketone production seen in DKA, especially if the adolescent took insulin as prescribed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is the best site for the PN to observe because it allows for the detection of changes in color, such as pallor, cyanosis, or jaundice, that may not be visible on the skin surface. The sclera and mucous membranes are less pigmented than the skin and reflect the underlying blood flow and oxygenation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Correct - Flaring of the nares is a sign of increased respiratory effort and can indicate acute respiratory distress.
B) Incorrect - While a resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths/min is elevated for a 4-month-old infant, it may not necessarily indicate acute distress, especially when considered along with other signs.
C) Incorrect - Bilateral bronchial breath sounds may indicate lung pathology, but they are not specific to acute respiratory distress.
D) Incorrect - Diaphragmatic respirations, where the abdomen moves more than the chest during breathing, are normal for infants. They do not necessarily indicate acute respiratory distress.
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