A client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is receiving an IV infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride and insulin.
Two hours later, the client’s serum laboratory results show a decrease in the serum blood glucose from 580 to 430 mg/dL (32.2 to 23.86 mmol/L). What additional laboratory result is most important for the nurse to monitor?

Serum sodium.

Serum potassium.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN).

Urine ketones.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale
While monitoring serum sodium levels is important in a client with DKA, it is not the most critical. Hyperglycemia can lead to a state of effective osmotic diuresis, which can cause sodium depletion.
Choice B rationale
Serum potassium levels are crucial to monitor in a client with DKA3. Despite total body potassium depletion, serum potassium levels may be high or normal upon presentation due to acidosis and insulin deficiency. However, with insulin treatment, potassium will shift back into the cells, potentially leading to life-threatening hypokalemia.
Choice C rationale
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) might be elevated due to dehydration, but it is not the most critical lab value to monitor in the management of DKA3.
Choice D rationale
Urine ketones are not as important to monitor as serum potassium in DKA. The presence of ketones in urine only confirms that the body is breaking down fat, not the severity of DKA3.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Using a cushion when sitting can provide comfort but does not directly address the client’s electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, or weight gain.

Choice B rationale
Offering a high protein diet can be beneficial for clients with hepatic failure to support liver regeneration and prevent malnutrition. However, it does not directly address the client’s immediate issues.

Choice C rationale

Providing only distilled water does not address the client’s electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, or weight gain. In fact, it could potentially exacerbate electrolyte imbalances.

Choice D rationale
Documenting abdominal girth can help monitor for fluid accumulation (ascites), a common complication of hepatic failure that can contribute to weight gain and elevated blood pressure.

A. Mix the dextrose in a 50 mL piggyback for a total volume of 100 mL. B. Dilute the dextrose in one liter of 0.9% normal saline solution. C. Request the pharmacist to add the dextrose to a total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution. D. Administer the undiluted dextrose slowly through the currently infusing IV. .

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Mixing the dextrose in a 50 mL piggyback for a total volume of 100 mL is not the appropriate method for administering the medication. This would dilute the dextrose, reducing its concentration and potentially making it less effective.
Choice B rationale
Diluting the dextrose in one liter of 0.9% normal saline solution is not the appropriate method for administering the medication. This would significantly dilute the dextrose, reducing its concentration and potentially making it less effective.
Choice C rationale
Requesting the pharmacist to add the dextrose to a total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution is not the appropriate method for administering the medication. While dextrose is often a component of TPN solutions, in this case, the patient requires a concentrated dose of dextrose to treat insulin shock.

Choice D rationale
This is the correct answer. Administering the undiluted dextrose slowly through the currently infusing IV is the appropriate method for administering the medication. This allows for the rapid administration of a concentrated dose of glucose, which is necessary to quickly raise the patient’s blood glucose level in the case of insulin shock.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse identifies an electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, and a weight gain of 4.4 lbs (2 kg) in 24 hours in a client with hepatic failure. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is preparing a 50 mL dose of 50% dextrose IV for a patient with insulin shock. What is the appropriate method for administering the medication?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is preparing a 50 mL dose of 50% dextrose IV for a patient experiencing insulin shock. What is the best method for administering the medication?

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