The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome who is receiving fluid replacement therapy with normal saline at 250 mL per hour along with a continuous insulin infusion. What potential complications of this treatment will the nurse monitor the patient for? (Select All That Apply)
Ketoacidosis
Pulmonary edema
Atelectasis
Hypoglycemia
Hypokalemia
Correct Answer : B,D,E
Choice A reason: Ketoacidosis is not a typical complication of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) treatment. HHS usually occurs without significant ketoacidosis, and the focus is on managing hyperglycemia and dehydration.
Choice B reason: Pulmonary edema is a potential complication of rapid fluid replacement therapy. The increased fluid volume can overwhelm the heart's ability to pump effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs.
Choice C reason: Atelectasis is not a common complication of HHS treatment. It is more related to lung collapse or infection rather than fluid or insulin therapy.
Choice D reason: Hypoglycemia is a potential complication of continuous insulin infusion. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary to prevent blood sugar from dropping too low during treatment.
Choice E reason: Hypokalemia is a potential complication of insulin therapy. Insulin promotes the uptake of potassium into cells, which can reduce serum potassium levels. Monitoring and managing potassium levels is important during HHS treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Monitoring the patient's absolute neutrophil count (ANC) daily and stopping medication when the ANC is greater than 20,000 cells/uL is an essential aspect of using filgrastim safely. However, this is typically managed by the healthcare provider and not the primary action for the nurse to take for patient education. The nurse's role focuses more on educating the patient about potential side effects and self-care.
Choice B reason: Teaching the patient how to administer the medication via intramuscular is not relevant for filgrastim, as it is typically administered via subcutaneous injection. Proper administration technique is crucial for ensuring the medication's effectiveness, but this choice does not accurately reflect the standard administration method for filgrastim.
Choice C reason: Ensuring the patient understands the risk of bone pain and how to manage it is crucial for promoting safe and effective use of filgrastim. Bone pain is a common side effect of filgrastim due to the stimulation of bone marrow to produce more neutrophils. Educating the patient about this potential side effect and providing strategies for managing the pain, such as using over-the-counter pain relievers, helps improve patient comfort and adherence to the medication.
Choice D reason: Administering filgrastim as needed for symptoms of infection is not appropriate. Filgrastim is used to stimulate neutrophil production and prevent infection, rather than treating active infections. The medication should be administered according to the prescribed schedule, not based on the presence of infection symptoms.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: While a post-operative patient preparing for discharge is important, they are stable enough to be considered for discharge and do not require immediate assessment.
Choice B reason: A patient with Cushing's disease after insertion of a nasogastric tube may need monitoring, but this is not as urgent as a patient with potential respiratory distress.
Choice C reason: A patient scheduled for a chest radiograph who is anxious about their treatment does not require immediate intervention compared to a patient experiencing respiratory issues.
Choice D reason: A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who requested a breathing treatment during the previous shift may be experiencing respiratory distress and requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent further complications.
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