The nurse is caring for a patient with type 2 diabetes who has been diagnosed with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome. What clinical manifestation will the nurse expect to find in this patient?

Arterial pH less than 7.3

Altered mental status

Presence of ketones in urine

Serum bicarbonate less than 15 mEq/L

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: An arterial pH less than 7.3 indicates acidosis, which is common in diabetic ketoacidosis but not typical in hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome. Patients with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome typically have a near-normal pH.

Choice B reason: Altered mental status is a significant clinical manifestation in hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome due to severe hyperglycemia and the hyperosmolar state, which can lead to dehydration and impaired brain function.

Choice C reason: The presence of ketones in urine is more commonly associated with diabetic ketoacidosis rather than hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome. The absence of significant ketonemia differentiates hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome from diabetic ketoacidosis.

Choice D reason: Serum bicarbonate less than 15 mEq/L is indicative of metabolic acidosis, typically seen in diabetic ketoacidosis rather than hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome, where bicarbonate levels are usually normal or slightly decreased.

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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.

A. Normal blood pressure, deep respirations B. Increased alertness, normal heart rhythm C. High urine specific gravity, normal temperature D. Blood glucose of 250 mg/dL, disorientation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Normal blood pressure and deep respirations do not necessarily indicate that hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome is resolving. Deep respirations, also known as Kussmaul respirations, can occur in response to severe hyperglycemia.

Choice B reason: Increased alertness and a normal heart rhythm suggest that the patient's neurological status and cardiovascular system are stabilizing, which are positive indicators that the treatment is effective in managing hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome.

Choice C reason: High urine specific gravity and normal temperature do not directly indicate the effectiveness of treatment for hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome. High urine specific gravity can result from dehydration.

Choice D reason: A blood glucose level of 250 mg/dL with disorientation still indicates poorly controlled hyperglycemia and ongoing metabolic disturbance, which means the treatment is not yet effective.

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The nurse is caring for a patient with type 2 diabetes who has been diagnosed with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome. What clinical manifestation will the nurse expect to find in this patient?

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