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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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Administer a dose of subcutaneous epinephrine.: The swelling of the lips and tongue is indicative of angioedema, a serious adverse reaction to captopril. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for severe allergic reactions or angioedema to quickly counteract the swelling and prevent airway obstruction.

B. Advise the client not to consume grapefruit products.: Grapefruit can interact with some medications, but it is not related to the management of angioedema. This action would be more relevant for drugs metabolized by CYP3A4, not specifically for angioedema.

C. Place warm compresses on both sides of the client's face.: Warm compresses are not appropriate for angioedema and may not address the underlying issue. This action does not manage the immediate, potentially life-threatening reaction caused by captopril.

D. Swab the client's oral mucosa with nystatin suspension.: Nystatin is used for fungal infections of the oral mucosa, not for angioedema. This action does not address the adverse reaction related to captopril.

A. Muscle twitching B. Bounding pulse C. Hypertension D. Decreased bowel sounds

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Muscle twitching:
Muscle twitching, also known as tetany, is a common manifestation of hypocalcemia. Low calcium levels increase neuromuscular excitability, leading to symptoms such as muscle cramps, spasms, and twitching. This is a key clinical sign that helps in diagnosing hypocalcemia.
B) Bounding pulse:
A bounding pulse is not typically associated with hypocalcemia. Instead, it is more often seen in conditions such as fluid overload or hyperdynamic circulatory states, where there is increased cardiac output or vascular volume.
C) Hypertension:
Hypertension is not a common manifestation of hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia is more likely to cause hypotension due to its effect on cardiac contractility and vascular tone, rather than causing high blood pressure.
D) Decreased bowel sounds:
Decreased bowel sounds are not commonly associated with hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia affects neuromuscular function, but it typically causes increased gastrointestinal motility rather than decreased motility, which would lead to hyperactive bowel sounds rather than decreased ones.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is monitoring a client who is taking captopril and has developed swelling of the lips and tongue. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take to manage this adverse medication reaction?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has hypocalcemia. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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