A client with paranoia is admitted to the mental health unit and immediately goes to the corner of the room and sits quietly without communicating. In approaching the client, what intervention should the practical nurse (PN) implement first?

A thready pulse refers to a pulse that is weak and difficult to palpate. It may disappear or weaken with light pressure. This can be an indication of decreased peripheral perfusion or reduced blood volume. By documenting the finding as "Thready pulse volume," the nurse is accurately describing the quality of the pulse and its response to light pressure.

Incorrect:

A. Missing pulse: A missing pulse would mean that the pulse is not palpable at all, even without applying pressure.
B. Light pressure applied to pulse: This is not a description of the pulse quality, but rather a description of the action taken to assess the pulse.
C. Pulse skips beats: This would mean that the pulse is irregular, with beats being missed or added. In this case, the pulse disappears when light pressure is applied and returns when the pressure is removed, which describes a thready pulse volume.

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.