A client with metastatic cancer who was taking hydromorphone PO at home is now receiving the medication IV while in the hospital. To evaluate if the client is receiving an equianalgesic dose of the hydromorphone, which assessment should the nurse complete?

Rationale

A. This option may seem reasonable, as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are concerns in DKA. However, simply drinking electrolyte fluids without addressing the underlying cause of DKA (which is insulin deficiency) would not effectively manage the condition.

B. Physical activity may exacerbate DKA if insulin levels are inadequate. It is important to stabilize blood glucose levels and manage DKA before engaging in physical activity.

C. In DKA, there is an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin, leading to hyperglycemia and ketosis. Regular insulin helps to lower blood glucose levels and inhibit further breakdown of fats into ketones, thereby correcting the metabolic imbalance associated with DKA.

D. Monitoring urine output is important in assessing hydration status, but it does not address the immediate need to manage DKA. This action alone would not correct the underlying cause of increased thirst in DKA.

Rationale

A. Nausea and headache are common side effects of linezolid. While they can impact the client's comfort and adherence to treatment, they are generally not considered urgent or life-threatening unless severe or persistent.

B. Watery diarrhea is a significant concern with linezolid therapy, as it can indicate the development of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) or other types of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. CDI is a severe condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent complications such as dehydration, colitis, and potentially life-threatening outcomes like toxic megacolon.

C. Increased fatigue can be a nonspecific symptom and may result from various factors, including the underlying illness (nosocomial pneumonia), medication side effects, or the stress of hospitalization. While it should be monitored, it is typically not an immediate concern unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

D. Yellow-tinged sputum can indicate the presence of infection or inflammation in the respiratory tract, which is relevant in the context of nosocomial pneumonia. It could suggest a worsening of the pneumonia or a new infection. However, it is not typically directly associated with linezolid therapy itself.