The nurse is caring for a 22-year-old female patient who is brought to the emergency department with a new onset of blurred vision and headache. Use the chart to answer the questions.
The nurse recognizes the patient is demonstrating signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which findings support this recognition? Select all that apply.
(Select All that Apply.)
Acetone breath and respiratory pattern
Blurred vision and headache
Nausea and vomiting
History of type 1 DM Appendix removal at age 7
Weekend alcohol ingestion
Tachycardia and hypotension
Insulin pump turned off
Correct Answer : A,C,F,G
A. Acetone breath, characterized by a fruity or acetone-like odor on the patient's breath, is a classic sign of DKA. In addition, Kussmaul respirations, which are deep and labored breathing patterns, can occur as the body attempts to compensate for metabolic acidosis in DKA.
C. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of DKA and can occur due to metabolic acidosis, electrolyte imbalances, and gastrointestinal disturbances associated with the condition.
F. Tachycardia and hypotension are signs of hemodynamic instability, which can occur in severe cases of DKA due to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and the systemic effects of metabolic acidosis.
G. Turning off an insulin pump can lead to insulin deficiency, which is a precipitating factor for DKA, particularly in patients with type 1 diabetes who rely on continuous insulin therapy. This finding is consistent with the development of DKA.
B. Blurred vision and headache can be symptoms of DKA, although they are not specific to this condition. Elevated blood glucose levels and dehydration associated with DKA can lead to osmotic diuresis and subsequent fluid shifts, which may manifest as headache and visual disturbances.
D. A history of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) predisposes the patient to DKA but the history of appendix removal at age 7 is not directly relevant to the current presentation of DKA.
E. Alcohol ingestion can contribute to the development of DKA by inhibiting gluconeogenesis and promoting ketoacidosis, particularly if the patient is not consuming adequate carbohydrates and insulin. However, it is not a direct sign of DKA.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce nighttime GERD symptoms. By elevating the head of the bed by about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), gravity helps prevent stomach acid from refluxing into the esophagus while the individual is lying down. This position can alleviate symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and coughing during sleep.
A. Alcohol consumption, especially before bedtime, can exacerbate GERD symptoms. Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus more easily.
B. Sleeping on the stomach with the head flat can worsen GERD symptoms. This position can increase pressure on the stomach and promote reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. Sleeping on the stomach is generally not recommended for individuals with GERD.
D. Eating a large meal or having a snack shortly before bedtime can increase the likelihood of GERD symptoms during sleep. It's generally recommended to avoid eating large meals or heavy snacks close to bedtime. Instead, individuals with GERD should aim to finish eating at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down to sleep.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. This inflammation leads to bronchoconstriction, causing symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. This description accurately captures the primary pathological features of asthma.
B. Fluid in the lungs, also known as pulmonary edema, is not a characteristic of asthma. Pulmonary edema is usually associated with conditions such as heart failure or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), not asthma.
C. Airway stretching and nonfunctionality are not characteristics of asthma. Conditions like bronchiectasis involve permanent dilation and damage to the airways, leading to chronic infections and impaired clearance of mucus, but this is different from asthma.
D. Asthma is not primarily caused by an infection, although infections can trigger asthma exacerbations. The primary issue in asthma is chronic inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways, which are not caused by a low-grade infection but by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
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