The nurse is caring for a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis. Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the patient is experiencing fluid volume deficit?

Hypotension

Bradycardia

Polyphagia

Rapid, deep respiration

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is a common indicator of fluid volume deficit. When a patient is dehydrated or has a significant loss of fluids, their blood volume decreases, leading to lower blood pressure. This condition requires immediate attention and management to prevent complications such as shock or organ failure. Monitoring and correcting fluid balance is crucial in managing patients with diabetic ketoacidosis, making hypotension a significant assessment finding.

Choice B reason: Bradycardia, or slow heart rate, is not typically associated with fluid volume deficit. It is more often related to other conditions such as heart block, hypothyroidism, or use of certain medications. In the context of diabetic ketoacidosis, fluid volume deficit would not manifest primarily as bradycardia.

Choice C reason: Polyphagia, or excessive hunger, is a symptom commonly associated with diabetes mellitus but does not indicate fluid volume deficit. Polyphagia results from the body's inability to use glucose properly, leading to increased hunger. It is not directly related to the patient's hydration status or fluid volume.

Choice D reason: Rapid, deep respiration, also known as Kussmaul breathing, is a compensatory mechanism in response to metabolic acidosis, a hallmark of diabetic ketoacidosis. While it is an important clinical sign, it does not specifically indicate fluid volume deficit. Kussmaul respiration occurs due to the body's attempt to expel excess carbon dioxide and correct the acid-base imbalance.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Administering intravenous normal saline at 300 mL/hour is the appropriate initial intervention for a patient presenting with a hyperglycemic emergency. Fluid replacement is crucial to correct dehydration and improve circulatory volume, which will help improve renal perfusion and facilitate the excretion of excess glucose and ketones.

Choice B reason: Administering regular insulin 20 units subcutaneously is not the immediate priority. Intravenous insulin is preferred in a hyperglycemic emergency to ensure rapid and effective lowering of blood glucose levels.

Choice C reason: Starting a bicarbonate infusion intravenously is not indicated unless there is severe acidosis (pH < 7.0) or the patient is in shock. The pH of 7.20, while low, can typically be corrected with fluid and insulin therapy.

Choice D reason: Administering potassium chloride 40 mEq orally is not necessary at this point. The potassium level of 3.6 mEq/L is within the normal range, and potassium should be monitored and replaced as needed during ongoing treatment, especially when insulin therapy is initiated.

A. Increase the rate of the transfusion to complete it as quickly as possible. B. Stop the transfusion immediately and document the amount infused. C. Continue the transfusion and monitor vital signs every 15 minutes. D. Continue the transfusion at the current rate until it is completed.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Increasing the rate of the transfusion to complete it as quickly as possible is not safe. Blood transfusions should be completed within four hours to prevent complications such as bacterial contamination and hemolysis.

Choice B reason: Stopping the transfusion immediately and documenting the amount infused is the appropriate intervention. Blood products that have been transfusing for more than four hours must be stopped to ensure patient safety and prevent adverse reactions. Documentation ensures that the healthcare team is aware of the situation and can take appropriate follow-up actions.

Choice C reason: Continuing the transfusion and monitoring vital signs every 15 minutes is not appropriate after the four-hour window has passed. The risk of complications increases with prolonged transfusion times.

Choice D reason: Continuing the transfusion at the current rate until it is completed is not safe. The transfusion must be stopped after four hours to prevent potential complications.

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The nurse is caring for a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis. Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the patient is experiencing fluid volume deficit?

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