The physician's orders read: Give cortisone 0.015 grams every 8 hours orally. The pharmacy sends cortisone 10mg tablets.

How many tablet(s) will the nurse give Instructions: Rounding: For adult clients, the answer should be rounded to the nearest tenth (mg, mcg, and m).

Sodium is the major extracellular electrolyte in the body.

It is responsible for maintaining the extracellular fluid volume, and also for regulation of the membrane potential of cells.

Sodium is exchanged along with potassium across cell membranes as part of active transport.

Choice B is wrong because potassium is mainly an intracellular ion.

It is important for nerve and muscle function, but it is not the predominant electrolyte in the extracellular fluid.

Choice C is wrong because calcium is not the major electrolyte in the extracellular fluid.

Calcium is mostly found in bones and teeth, where it forms a mineral reserve with phosphate.

Calcium also plays a role in muscle contraction, blood clotting, and enzyme activity.

Choice D is wrong because magnesium is not the major electrolyte in the extracellular fluid.

Magnesium is mostly found in bones, where it helps to stabilize the structure of ATP2.

Magnesium also participates in enzyme reactions, nerve and muscle function, and protein synthesis.

Choice A reason: This hypotonic saline solution is often used after initial resuscitation, especially when the patient’s serum sodium is normal or elevated. It helps replace intracellular fluid losses and provides ongoing hydration without excessively increasing sodium levels. It is typically administered once the initial intravascular volume is restored with isotonic fluids.

Choice B reason: This isotonic saline solution is the first-line intravenous fluid used in DKA. It helps expand intravascular volume quickly, restore tissue perfusion, and correct hypovolemia caused by osmotic diuresis. It is given initially as a bolus, followed by continuous infusion until the patient is stabilized.

Choice C reason: This dextrose-containing solution is introduced once blood glucose falls to approximately 200–250 mg/dL. At this point, insulin therapy must continue to clear ketones and correct acidosis, but dextrose is added to prevent hypoglycemia. It is usually combined with saline (e.g., D5 0.45% NS) to balance hydration and glucose support.

Choice D reason: This balanced electrolyte solution is not typically the preferred fluid in DKA management because the lactate component may complicate interpretation of acid–base status. Although it can expand volume, it is generally avoided in favor of saline solutions that more directly address dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in DKA.

Choice E reason: This form of insulin is the only type used intravenously in DKA. A continuous infusion of regular insulin is essential to reduce blood glucose, suppress ketone production, and correct metabolic acidosis. It is carefully titrated with close monitoring of electrolytes, especially potassium, since insulin drives potassium into cells and can cause hypokalemia.