A nurse in the emergency department is admitting a client who has diabetic ketoacidosis and a blood glucose level of 100 mg/dl. Which of the following interventions should the nurse initiate first?
Potassium chloride 10 mEq/hr
Bicarbonate by IV infusion
Subcutaneous insulin injections
0.99% sodium chloride 15 mL/kg/hr
The Correct Answer is D
A. Potassium chloride 10 mEq/hr:
While potassium replacement is crucial in DKA, initiating it before fluid resuscitation can lead to further complications. Insulin administration can drive potassium back into cells, potentially causing hypokalemia. Fluid resuscitation helps address dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
B. Bicarbonate by IV infusion:
Bicarbonate therapy is generally reserved for severe cases of acidosis, and its use in DKA is controversial. In this scenario, the blood glucose level is not significantly elevated, and the focus should be on fluid resuscitation and insulin administration.
C. Subcutaneous insulin injections:
While insulin is a critical component of DKA management, it should be administered intravenously for faster and more precise control of blood glucose levels. Subcutaneous insulin injections are not the initial route of administration in DKA.
D. 0.9% sodium chloride 15 mL/kg/hr:
This is the correct answer. The first step in DKA management is fluid resuscitation with isotonic saline (0.9% sodium chloride). The goal is to address dehydration, restore intravascular volume, and improve perfusion. Insulin therapy and other interventions follow fluid resuscitation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. I will check the client's INR before administering the heparin:
Checking the International Normalized Ratio (INR) is more relevant for monitoring the effects of warfarin, not heparin. Heparin is typically monitored by activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) or anti-Xa levels.
B. "I will apply pressure for 1 minute after the injection:"
Applying gentle pressure to the injection site for about 1 minute after administering heparin is appropriate to prevent bleeding or bruising. Since heparin is an anticoagulant, there's an increased risk of bleeding at the injection site.
C. I will massage the site after injecting the heparin:
Massaging the site after injecting heparin is not recommended. It can increase the risk of hematoma formation. After subcutaneous injection, it is generally advised to avoid massaging the site.
D. I will aspirate before administering the heparin:
Aspiration is not recommended when administering heparin subcutaneously, as it can increase the risk of tissue damage and bruising. The nurse should inject the heparin without aspirating.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Oxygen saturation 96%:
Oxygen saturation at 96% is within the normal range and may not be directly influenced by the infusion of albumin. Albumin administration is more related to improving intravascular volume and blood pressure.
B. PaCO2 30 mm Hg:
The partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) is a measure of respiratory status. Albumin infusion is not directly associated with changes in PaCO2.
C. Decrease in protein:
Albumin is a protein, and its infusion would not lead to a decrease in protein levels. In fact, albumin administration increases the oncotic pressure in the intravascular space, helping to retain fluid and improve blood volume.
D. Increase in BP:
This is the correct answer. Albumin is a colloid solution that increases oncotic pressure in the bloodstream. By increasing oncotic pressure, albumin helps to draw fluid from the interstitial space into the vascular space, thereby increasing blood volume. This can contribute to an increase in blood pressure, which is a desired effect in the management of shock.
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