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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.

Exhibits

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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D. The priority focus in the acute management of hyperosmolar hyperglycemia is improving hydration status. Patients with HHS are severely dehydrated due to the osmotic diuresis caused by extremely high blood glucose levels. Rapid rehydration is critical to prevent shock, improve organ perfusion, and reduce blood glucose levels.
A. It's important to consider age-related changes in any patient but this is not the immediate priority in the acute management of hyperosmolar hyperglycemia. The primary concern is addressing the acute, life-threatening aspects of the condition.
B. Monitoring blood glucose levels is critical in managing hyperosmolar hyperglycemia. However, while it is essential to track the BG levels to guide insulin therapy and assess the response to treatment, it is not the immediate priority in terms of interventions needed to stabilize the patient initially.

C. Determining the underlying cause of hyperosmolar hyperglycemia, such as an infection or other illness, is important for comprehensive treatment. However, it is a secondary priority to stabilizing the patient’s current acute condition.

A. Consuming low-fat meats B. Drinking orange juice regularly C. Eating dinner early in the evening D. Sleeping on a large wedge-style pillow

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

B. Orange juice is highly acidic and can irritate the esophagus, leading to increased heartburn symptoms. Regular consumption of acidic beverages like orange juice can exacerbate GERD symptoms, making this a likely contributing factor to the client's heartburn.
A. Consuming low-fat meats is generally not a contributing factor to heartburn. Low-fat meats are less likely to cause reflux compared to high-fat foods, which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and increase the risk of acid reflux.
C. Eating dinner early in the evening is generally recommended for managing GERD. This practice allows more time for the stomach to empty before lying down to sleep, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux during the night.
D. Sleeping on a large wedge-style pillow is also generally recommended for managing GERD. Elevating the head and upper body during sleep can help prevent acid from flowing back into the esophagus.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient is admitted to the hospital with hyperosmolar hyperglycemia. The patient has a BG value of 987 mg/dL. Which is the priority focus while providing care?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and reports having heartburn every night. Which of the following actions should the nurse identify as a contributing factor to the client's heartburn?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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