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 C
Explanation
C. Clients with this score may have altered consciousness and require close monitoring for changes in neurological status, respiratory function, and other complications. Placing this client closest to the nurses' station allows for prompt assessment and intervention if there is deterioration or emergent need.
A Clients with a score of 0 are generally stable and may not require immediate or intensive monitoring. Therefore, this client may not need to be placed closest to the nurses' station unless there are other medical considerations.
B. A grade 1 concussion is considered mild, and while the client may have symptoms such as headache, they are typically stable with minimal risk of deterioration. Monitoring for worsening symptoms is important, but this client may not require immediate proximity to the nurses' station unless symptoms worsen unexpectedly.
D. Clients who are brain dead and awaiting organ procurement are typically stable in terms of neurological status as they are no longer responsive. This client may not necessarily need to be closest to the nurses' station unless specific care needs arise.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Nuchal rigidity refers to stiffness or resistance to neck movement, especially when the client's head is flexed forward. It is a classic sign of meningitis due to irritation and inflammation of the meninges (the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord). This assessment helps to detect meningeal irritation, a hallmark of meningitis.

B. This action tests the deep tendon reflex, specifically the knee jerk reflex (patellar reflex). It assesses the integrity of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. While it is part of a neurological assessment, it is not specifically related to the assessment of meningitis unless there are concurrent neurological symptoms or signs.
C This maneuver tests for Babinski reflex, which is an abnormal response where the toes flare upward and the big toe dorsiflexes when the sole of the foot is stimulated. A positive Babinski reflex can indicate dysfunction of the corticospinal tract or brain injury but is not a specific finding in meningitis.
D. Tapping the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) assesses for the presence of facial nerve irritation or damage. In the context of meningitis, signs such as facial twitching or asymmetry may indicate involvement of cranial nerves due to inflammation and pressure within the skull.
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