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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["12.5"]
Explanation
1 kilogram equals 2.2 pounds.
110 lbs, which is equivalent to 50 kg (110 lbs / 2.2).
The prescribed dose is 2 mg/kg/day, so the total daily dose is 100 mg (2 mg/kg * 50 kg). This total daily dose is divided into four doses, which means each dose is 25 mg (100 mg / 4).
The medication is supplied as 10 mg/5 mL, so for a 25 mg dose, the nurse will administer 12.5 mL (25 mg * (5 mL / 10 mg)). Therefore, the nurse will administer 12.5 mL per dose.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While anxiety can exacerbate feelings of breathlessness, treating anxiety does not address the
underlying issue of respiratory distress. It is important to first stabilize the client’s respiratory condition
before managing anxiety.
B. Auscultating breath sounds can provide valuable information regarding the client’s respiratory status. However, in an emergency situation, immediate interventions to stabilize the client should take precedence over assessments, especially since the vital signs indicate significant distress.
C. Elevating the head of the bed can help improve respiratory effort by allowing better lung expansion and reducing the work of breathing. Given the client’s low oxygen saturation and signs of respiratory distress, this intervention can provide immediate relief and improve oxygenation.
D. While this may be necessary if the client's condition worsens or does not improve, it is not the first action to take. Preparing for mechanical ventilation is a more advanced intervention and should only occur after initial stabilization efforts have been made.
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