A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who has diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and a blood glucose level of 925 mg/dL. The nurse should anticipate which of the following prescriptions from the provider?

Choice A Reason: Observing for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks from the evacuation site is important, but not the first action that the nurse should take. CSF leaks can indicate a breach in the dura mater, which can increase the risk of infection and meningitis. The nurse should inspect the dressing and the nose and ears for any clear or bloody drainage, and report any findings to the provider. However, these measures are secondary to ensuring adequate oxygenation and perfusion.

Choice B Reason: Checking the oximeter is also important, but not the first action that the nurse should take. The oximeter measures the oxygen saturation of the blood, which reflects the adequacy of gas exchange in the lungs. The nurse should maintain the oxygen saturation above 90%, and administer supplemental oxygen as prescribed.

However, these measures are secondary to ensuring adequate oxygenation and perfusion.

Choice C Reason: Assessing for an increase in temperature is another important action, but not the first one that the nurse should take. An increase in temperature can indicate an infection, inflammation, or damage to the hypothalamus, which can affect the thermoregulation of the body. The nurse should monitor the temperature and administer antipyretics as prescribed. However, these measures are secondary to ensuring adequate oxygenation and perfusion.

Choice D Reason: Monitoring for manifestations of increased intracranial pressure is the first action that the nurse should take. Increased intracranial pressure can result from bleeding, swelling, or fluid accumulation in the brain, which can compress and damage brain tissue and blood vessels. The nurse should assess for signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, altered level of consciousness, pupillary changes, or Cushing's triad (bradycardia, hypertension, and irregular respirations). The nurse should also intervene to prevent or reduce increased intracranial pressure, such as elevating the head of the bed, maintaining normothermia, and administering osmotic diuretics. Monitoring for manifestations of increased intracranial pressure is essential to prevent further brain injury and preserve neurological function.

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because the client is not unconscious, as the GCS score ranges from 3 to 15, with 3 being the lowest possible score and indicating deep coma or death.

Choice B Reason: This is correct because the client can follow simple motor commands, as the GCS score for best motor response is 5, which means the client can localize pain by moving his limbs away from the source of stimulation.To interpret the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score provided in the scenario:Eye Opening (E): 3 - The client opens their eyes in response to verbal stimuli.Best Verbal Response (V): 5 - The client is oriented and able to engage in coherent conversation.Best Motor Response (M): 5 - The client can localize pain or follow motor commands (depending on additional context). The total GCS score would be 3 + 5 + 5 = 13, indicating a mild level of impairment or responsiveness.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because the client is able to make vocal sounds, as the GCS score for best verbal response is 5, which means the client can orient himself to person, place, and time.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because the client does not open his eyes when spoken to, as the GCS score for eye opening is 3, which means the client only opens his eyes in response to pain.