Exhibits
For each assessment finding, click to specify if the assessment finding is consistent with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state (HHS). Each finding may support more than 1 disease process.
Urine ketones
Creatinine greater than expected reference range
Blood glucose greater than expected reference range
Skin turgor
Blood pH greater than expected reference range
The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A,B"},"C":{"answers":"A,B"},"D":{"answers":"A,B"},"E":{"answers":"B"}}
- Urine ketones:
They are commonly present in DKA due to the breakdown of fats as an alternative energy source when insulin is insufficient. Ketones in urine are a hallmark sign of DKA.
Ketones may not be present in urine in HHS because insulin levels are sufficient to prevent excessive breakdown of fats. Therefore, urine ketones are more specific to DKA.
- Creatinine greater than expected reference range
DKA: In DKA, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI), resulting in elevated creatinine levels.
HHS: Elevated creatinine can also occur in HHS due to severe dehydration and reduced kidney perfusion.
- Blood glucose greater than expected reference range:
DKA: Extremely high blood glucose levels (typically >250 mg/dL) are a hallmark of DKA due to insulin deficiency and the resultant inability to transport glucose into cells for energy.
HHS: Similar to DKA, HHS is characterized by extremely high blood glucose levels (often >600 mg/dL). Therefore, elevated blood glucose levels are consistent with both DKA and HHS.
- Skin turgor
DKA: Decreased skin turgor is indicative of dehydration, which is common in DKA due to excessive urination (polyuria) and fluid loss.
HHS: Similarly, decreased skin turgor can also be seen in HHS due to profound dehydration caused by excessive hyperglycemia and osmotic diuresis.
- Blood pH greater than expected reference range
DKA: DKA is characterized by metabolic acidosis, leading to a decreased blood pH (<7.35). Therefore, a pH greater than expected reference range would not be typical for DKA.
HHS: HHS, on the other hand, is characterized by severe hyperglycemia without significant ketoacidosis. Patients with HHS can have a normal or even elevated blood pH (>7.45) due to compensation mechanisms and absence of significant acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Petechiae indicate a risk of bleeding due to low platelet levels or dysfunction. Bleeding precautions aim to minimize the risk of injury and bleeding events.
A While knowing the blood type is generally important for medical management, it is not the immediate priority based on the presence of petechiae alone.
C. Intravenous pain medications, especially those that can affect platelet function (like NSAIDs), may increase the risk of bleeding.
D. Airborne precautions are used for diseases transmitted by airborne droplets smaller than 5 microns, such as tuberculosis or measles. Petechiae are not indicative of an airborne disease transmission risk.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E","F","G"]
Explanation
Blood glucose 310 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL)
The initial blood glucose level was 468 mg/dL, indicating severe hyperglycemia, likely due to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The decrease to 310 mg/dL suggests that the insulin therapy is starting to bring the blood glucose levels down towards normal range. This reduction is a positive sign of response to treatment.
Client urinating 100 mL/hour
This indicates improved kidney function compared to the initial presentation where the client reported frequent urination and nausea. Adequate urine output (typically more than 30 mL/hour) is crucial in managing DKA as it signifies improved renal perfusion and clearance of ketones and glucose from the blood.
Client is tolerating soft diet and oral fluids
This indicates improvement in gastrointestinal function and resolution of nausea, which is consistent with the ondansetron administration for nausea control. It also suggests that the client's appetite and overall condition are improving.
Bilateral pedal pulses 2+
Initially, the pulses were 1+, indicating poorer peripheral perfusion. Bilateral pedal pulses becoming 2+ suggest improved circulation, likely due to the correction of acidosis and hydration status with fluid and electrolyte
Blood pressure
The improvement in the blood pressure indicates that the client is out of the dehydration state caused by DKA.
Pulse rate
Resolution of tachycardia is a good indicator of improved hydration status
Respiratory rate
The decrease in respiratory rate is an indicator of improving acidosis and resolution of Kussmaul breathing common in DKA.
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