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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Circumoral cyanosis, which is bluish discoloration around the mouth, can be a sign of inadequate oxygenation. It suggests that there may be an issue with the infant's respiratory or cardiovascular system, potentially indicating respiratory distress or a cardiac problem. Prompt assessment and intervention are necessary to determine the cause of the cyanosis and ensure the infant's well-being.
A. The six-hour-old infant with a large sacral "stork bite" refers to a common birthmark caused by dilated blood vessels. While it may be important to assess the birthmark and document its presence, it is not an urgent concern requiring immediate attention.
B. The two-day-old infant with a negative Ortolani's sign refers to a specific maneuver used to assess for developmental hip dysplasia or dislocation. A negative Ortolani sign indicates that there is no evidence of hip dislocation. While it is important to assess the infant's hips and document the findings, it does not require immediate attention.
D. The one-day-old infant with a positive Babinski's reflex refers to an abnormal response in which the infant's toes fan out and the big toe dorsiflexes when the sole of the foot is stimulated. While a positive Babinski's reflex can be a normal finding in infants under a certain age, it is important to assess the infant's neurological status. However, it does not require immediate attention compared to the infant with circumoral cyanosis, which indicates potential respiratory or cardiovascular distress.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Acne is a common skin condition that often requires professional evaluation and treatment by a dermatologist. While the other options may be part of a comprehensive acne management plan, they alone may not be sufficient to address the client's specific needs. The recommendation to refer the client to a dermatologist allows for a more comprehensive assessment and the implementation of appropriate long-term therapy tailored to the individual's condition. The dermatologist can prescribe medications, provide personalized skincare recommendations, and monitor the client's progress over time. This ensures that the client receives the most effective and appropriate treatment for their acne.
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