A nurse in an emergency department is caring for an older adult client who has diabetes mellitus and is in a hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Evaluate the client's understanding of diabetes management.

Administer potassium supplements.

Initiate a continuous infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride.

Chek for improvements in the client's level of consciousness.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) Evaluate the client's understanding of diabetes management: While it is important to assess the client’s understanding of diabetes management to prevent future hyperglycemic episodes, this is not the immediate priority. The client's current hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state needs urgent intervention to stabilize their condition before educational measures can be effective.

B) Administer potassium supplements: Potassium supplementation may be necessary, especially if the client is hypokalemic, but it is not the first action. Electrolyte levels should be monitored and corrected as part of the treatment, but the initial priority is to address the severe dehydration and hyperglycemia.

C) Initiate a continuous infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride: This is the most critical first step. Clients in a hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state are typically severely dehydrated due to osmotic diuresis. Initiating a continuous infusion of isotonic saline helps to restore intravascular volume, improve perfusion, and stabilize hemodynamics, which is essential before addressing other issues.

D) Check for improvements in the client's level of consciousness: Monitoring the client's level of consciousness is important as it provides information about their neurological status and response to treatment. However, this is a subsequent action after initiating fluid resuscitation, which directly addresses the immediate life-threatening aspects of the hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Bounding peripheral pulses: Metabolic acidosis typically does not cause bounding peripheral pulses. In metabolic acidosis, vasodilation might occur, but it usually leads to weaker, not bounding, pulses due to decreased cardiac output and blood pressure.

B) Hyperreflexia: Hyperreflexia is not commonly associated with metabolic acidosis. Instead, metabolic acidosis may cause symptoms like muscle weakness or fatigue due to the effect of acid-base imbalance on neuromuscular function.

C) Cool skin: While cool skin can sometimes be associated with poor perfusion in severe cases, it is not a direct manifestation of metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis more commonly affects internal physiology rather than peripheral skin temperature directly.

D) Hypotension: Hypotension is a common manifestation of metabolic acidosis. The acidosis leads to vasodilation and decreased cardiac contractility, resulting in a drop in blood pressure. This is a critical sign for the nurse to monitor as it indicates the severity of the acid-base imbalance and its effect on the cardiovascular system.

A. Metabolic acidosis B. Metabolic alkalosis C. Respiratory alkalosis D. Respiratory acidosis

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Metabolic acidosis: In metabolic acidosis, you would expect a low pH (acidosis) with a low bicarbonate (HCO3-) level. However, the given bicarbonate level is within the normal range (22-26 mEq/L), which indicates the acidosis is not metabolic in origin.

B) Metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis would present with a high pH (alkalosis) and an elevated bicarbonate (HCO3-) level. The pH in this case is low, indicating acidosis, and the bicarbonate level is normal, ruling out metabolic alkalosis.

C) Respiratory alkalosis: In respiratory alkalosis, you would see a high pH (alkalosis) and a low PaCO2 due to hyperventilation. The given pH is low, indicating acidosis, and the PaCO2 is elevated, which is inconsistent with respiratory alkalosis.

D) Respiratory acidosis: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (acidosis) and an elevated PaCO2 due to hypoventilation or impaired gas exchange. The client's ABG results show a low pH (7.2), a normal bicarbonate level (26 mEq/L), and an elevated PaCO2 (52 mm Hg), indicating the client is experiencing respiratory acidosis.

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A nurse in an emergency department is caring for an older adult client who has diabetes mellitus and is in a hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

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