What clinical manifestation(s) should the nurse expect in a client with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and ketoacidosis? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
mental status = lethargic, oriented X 3 but unsure of reason for presenting for care
arterial blood gas pH 7.47/ pCO2-40/HCO3-33/ pa02 = 95
arterial blood gas pH=7.31/pCO2-34/HCO3-17/pa02=98
heart rate=52, regular
respiratory rate = 31, deep
Correct Answer : A,C,E
A. Lethargy can occur in DKA due to the effects of hyperglycemia, acidosis, and dehydration. Even if the client is oriented, confusion about the reason for care suggests an altered mental state, which can be common in DKA.
B. This ABG indicates alkalosis (pH > 7.45), which is not typical for DKA. In DKA, we would expect a lower pH (acidosis). This set of values does not align with the expected clinical picture of DKA.
C. This ABG shows a pH of 7.31, indicating acidosis. The low HCO3 (17) supports metabolic acidosis, which is characteristic of DKA. This finding is consistent with the expected laboratory results in a patient experiencing DKA.
D. A heart rate of 52 (bradycardia) is not a common finding in DKA. In fact, tachycardia (elevated heart rate) is typically observed due to dehydration and compensatory mechanisms. Bradycardia would not be expected in this context.
E. A respiratory rate of 31, particularly if deep (known as Kussmaul respirations), is a classic sign of metabolic acidosis, including DKA. Kussmaul respirations are the body’s attempt to compensate for acidosis by increasing carbon dioxide elimination.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This is the correct time to draw the peak level. The peak level is the highest concentration of the drug in the blood, which typically occurs about 30 minutes to an hour after the end of the infusion.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. This time falls shortly after the onset of NPH insulin. While hypoglycemia could start to occur around this time, it is less likely to be at its peak.
B. This time is past the peak range of NPH insulin. The likelihood of hypoglycemia is lower as the insulin effect would be tapering off.
C. This time is well past the usual duration of NPH insulin. By this point, the risk of hypoglycemia would be significantly decreased.
D. This time falls within the peak action of NPH insulin (approximately 4-12 hours post-administration). This is when hypoglycemia is most likely to occur due to the greatest effect of the insulin.
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