The nurse is triaging a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who presented to the emergency department with increased lethargy and Kussmaul respirations. A blood glucose test reveals a level of 525 mg/dL (28 mmol/L). Which laboratory results are consistent with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Reference Ranges

Blood Glucose [74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]

pH [7.35 to 7.45]

HCO3- [21 to 28 mEq/L (21 to 28 mmol/L)]

Arterial blood pH 7.5 and bicarbonate level 32 mEq/L (32 mmol/L).

Arterial blood pH 7.42 and bicarbonate level 18 mEq/L (18 mmol/L).

Arterial blood pH 7.25 and bicarbonate level 10 mEq/L (10 mmol/L).

Arterial blood pH 7.38 and bicarbonate level 29 mEq/L (29 mmol/L).

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

DKA is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus characterized by hyperglycemia, ketosis, and metabolic acidosis. The laboratory results consistent with DKA include:

Elevated blood glucose level: A blood glucose level of 525 mg/dL (28 mmol/L) is significantly elevated and consistent with DKA.

Low arterial blood pH: A decreased arterial blood pH indicates acidosis, which is characteristic of DKA. Normal arterial blood pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45.

Low bicarbonate (HCO3-) level: A low bicarbonate level indicates metabolic acidosis, which is also characteristic of DKA. Normal bicarbonate levels range from 21 to 28 mEq/L (21 to 28 mmol/L).

Among the options provided:

A) Arterial blood pH 7.5 and bicarbonate level 32 mEq/L (32 mmol/L):

This pH and bicarbonate level are indicative of alkalosis, which is not consistent with DKA.

B) Arterial blood pH 7.42 and bicarbonate level 18 mEq/L (18 mmol/L):

This pH is within the normal range, and the bicarbonate level is slightly decreased but not indicative of metabolic acidosis consistent with DKA.

C) Arterial blood pH 7.25 and bicarbonate level 10 mEq/L (10 mmol/L):

Correct. This pH is decreased, indicating acidosis, and the bicarbonate level is significantly below the normal range, consistent with metabolic acidosis characteristic of DKA.

D) Arterial blood pH 7.38 and bicarbonate level 29 mEq/L (29 mmol/L):

While the pH is within the normal range, the bicarbonate level is elevated, which is not consistent with metabolic acidosis seen in DKA.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Acute leukemia, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), involves the proliferation of abnormal myeloblasts (immature white blood cells) in the bone marrow, leading to decreased production of normal blood cells. Here's the breakdown of the pathophysiology contributing to bruising in acute leukemia:

A) Oxyhemoglobin provides less oxygen to tissues:

Oxyhemoglobin refers to hemoglobin bound to oxygen, and its role is in oxygen transport, not in the process of bruising. Therefore, this option is not directly related to the pathophysiology of bruising in acute leukemia.

B) Insufficient platelets delay the clotting process:

Correct. Thrombocytopenia, or low platelet count, is a common complication of acute leukemia due to the replacement of normal bone marrow cells with leukemia cells, leading to inadequate production of platelets. Platelets play a crucial role in hemostasis and clot formation. Insufficient platelets result in delayed clotting, leading to easy bruising and bleeding tendencies in patients with acute leukemia.

C) Phagocytic cells are inadequate in fighting infection:

Leukopenia, or low white blood cell count, can occur in acute leukemia due to suppression of normal hematopoiesis by leukemia cells in the bone marrow. While leukopenia predisposes patients to infections due to impaired immune function, it is not directly related to the pathophysiology of bruising.

D) Lack of iron causes hypochromic blood cells:

Iron deficiency anemia can result in hypochromic red blood cells, but this is not typically associated with the pathophysiology of bruising in acute leukemia. Anemia may contribute to other symptoms such as fatigue and pallor, but bruising primarily results from thrombocytopenia-induced clotting abnormalities.

A. Intravascular fluid deficit. B. Renin angiotensin mechanism. C. Inflammatory process of bladder mucosa. D. Mineral precipitation in urine.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the formation of multiple fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. One of the complications associated with PKD is hypertension, which often occurs due to activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Here's how the pathophysiological process of the RAAS contributes to the client's elevated blood pressure:

A) Intravascular fluid deficit:

In polycystic kidney disease, the development of multiple cysts in the kidneys can impair renal function and lead to decreased filtration and reabsorption capacity. However, this impairment typically leads to fluid retention rather than intravascular fluid deficit, contributing to hypertension rather than hypotension.

B) Renin angiotensin mechanism:

Correct. In PKD, the cysts disrupt normal kidney architecture and function, leading to activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Reduced renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) stimulate the release of renin from the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidneys. Renin acts on angiotensinogen to convert it into angiotensin I, which is then converted to angiotensin II by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that increases peripheral vascular resistance, leading to elevated blood pressure. Additionally, angiotensin II stimulates the secretion of aldosterone, which promotes sodium and water retention, further contributing to hypertension.

C) Inflammatory process of bladder mucosa:

This option is not directly related to the pathophysiological process of hypertension in polycystic kidney disease. Flank pain and hematuria in PKD are often associated with cyst rupture or hemorrhage within the cysts rather than an inflammatory process of the bladder mucosa.

D) Mineral precipitation in urine:

Mineral precipitation in urine, such as the formation of kidney stones, can occur in polycystic kidney disease but is not directly associated with hypertension. Kidney stones may contribute to flank pain and hematuria but do not typically cause systemic hypertension.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is explaining the underlying cause of bruising with a client who is recently diagnosed with acute leukemia. Which pathophysiology is a result of the myeloblastic dysfunction of leukemia?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client who is admitted with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), flank pain, and hematuria. The client's blood pressure is 180/100 mm Hg. Which pathophysiological process supports the client's blood pressure finding?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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