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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Place the client on his right side if tube resistance occurs: Positioning the client on the right side can help facilitate gastric emptying, but it is not a primary action to ensure NG tube patency. If tube resistance occurs, the nurse should assess and address the resistance more directly.
B) Check the tube patency every 4 hr: Regularly checking the tube patency ensures that the NG tube remains open and functional, preventing blockages and ensuring continuous decompression or feeding as required.
C) Flush the tube with 50 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation every 8 hr: Flushing the tube helps maintain patency, but the amount and frequency may vary based on facility protocols. Flushing every 8 hours might not be frequent enough to prevent blockages.
D) Maintain the client in a supine position: Keeping the client in a supine position is not recommended for maintaining NG tube patency and may increase the risk of aspiration. A semi-Fowler's position is usually preferred to promote drainage and reduce aspiration risk.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Protective environment
This type of isolation is used for clients with weakened immune systems to protect them from infections. It is not necessary for pertussis, which requires droplet precautions to prevent spread.
B) Airborne precautions
These are used for diseases that are spread through tiny droplets that remain in the air, such as tuberculosis. Pertussis spreads through larger respiratory droplets, not lingering in the air, so airborne precautions are not needed.
C) Contact precautions
These are used for infections spread by direct touch or contact with surfaces. Pertussis primarily spreads through respiratory droplets rather than direct contact, making contact precautions unnecessary.
D) Droplet precautions
Droplet precautions are appropriate for pertussis, as it spreads via respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This involves wearing masks and maintaining distance to prevent transmission.
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