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?

To identify the potential source of the client's new-onset confusion and decreased appetite, the nurse can use the following assessment techniques:

• Ask to see the client's list of home medications: This can help identify any medications that may contribute to confusion or appetite changes.
• Determine if the client has recently lost a loved one: Emotional distress, such as grief from a recent loss, can contribute to changes in mental status and appetite.
• Measure the client's vital signs: Vital signs can provide important information about the client's overall health status and help identify any abnormalities that may be contributing to the symptoms.
• Perform a 12-lead electrocardiogram: This can help assess the client's cardiac function and detect any cardiac-related causes for the symptoms.
• Ask about the client's last bowel movement: Changes in bowel habits can sometimes be indicative of underlying issues affecting appetite and overall health.
• Measure the client's abdominal circumference: This can help assess for any abdominal distension or changes that may be related to the client's symptoms.

Collecting a sputum and urine culture and sensitivities and having the client ambulate across the room are not directly related to identifying the potential source of confusion and decreased appetite in this case.

Bathing a bedfast client with the bed in a high position poses a potential risk to the client's safety. Lowering the bed to a safe height is important to prevent falls and injuries during the bathing procedure. The PN should promptly intervene and instruct the UAP to lower the bed to an appropriate level before continuing with the bathing process.
A. While remaining in the room to supervise the UAP is important, it should be done after ensuring the client's safety by lowering the bed. If the bed is not lowered, the risk of injury remains, and the PN should take immediate action to address the safety concern.
C. Determining if the UAP would like assistance is a valid consideration, but it should be secondary to addressing the safety issue of the bed height. Once the bed is lowered, the PN can assess if additional assistance is required and provide support accordingly.
D. Assuming care of the client immediately may be necessary if the client is in immediate danger or experiencing an urgent medical situation. However, in this case, the primary concern is addressing the safety issue related to the bed height, and the PN can address this by instructing the UAP to lower the bed.