A client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is receiving regular insulin. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) implement to evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin dosage?
Smell the client's breath for resolution of a fruity odor.
Determine the client's orientation to time and space.
Measure the client's urinary output for an increased volume.
Check fingerstick blood glucose for a decrease in the level.
The Correct Answer is D
Regular insulin is the medication of choice for treating DKA. Its main action is to lower blood glucose levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells and inhibiting the production of glucose by the liver. Therefore, checking the fingerstick blood glucose level is an important indicator of the effectiveness of the insulin treatment.
A decrease in the blood glucose level indicates that the insulin is working to lower the high blood sugar associated with DKA. This measurement helps the PN assess the response to treatment and adjust the insulin dosage if necessary.
The other actions mentioned are also important assessments in the care of a client with DKA, but they do not specifically evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin dosage:
A. Smelling the client's breath for resolution of a fruity odor is important as it indicates a decrease in ketone production, which is a marker of improving DKA. However, it does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin dosage.
B. Determining the client's orientation to time and space is part of assessing their neurological status, which is crucial in managing DKA. However, it does not specifically assess the effectiveness of the insulin dosage.
C. Measuring the client's urinary output for an increased volume is important to monitor hydration status and renal function, but it does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin dosage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This is the first action the PN should take when noticing that the UAP consistently records subnormal temperatures when using a tympanic thermometer. Observing how the UAP obtains temperatures will help the PN identify any errors or problems with the technique, equipment, or documentation. The PN can then provide feedback and guidance to the UAP to ensure accurate and reliable temperature measurements.
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
S3 is an extra heart sound that occurs during diastole (the filling phase of the cardiac cycle). It is commonly associated with conditions such as heart failure and volume overload. S3 is often described as a low-frequency, dull, and distant sound heard after S2 (the second heart sound).
B, C- S1, and S2 are the normal heart sounds that are typically heard in all individuals. S1 is the first heart sound, heard as "lub," and is caused by the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves. S2 is the second heart sound, heard as "dub," and is caused by the closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves. These sounds are normal and expected.
S4 is another abnormal heart sound, which occurs during late diastole and is associated with conditions such as ventricular hypertrophy and reduced ventricular compliance.
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