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 D
Explanation
A. Acetaminophen: This is a common pain reliever and fever reducer. Acetaminophen is often used alongside other medications, including opioids like morphine, to manage pain more effectively. It's typically safe to use with morphine and is not an immediate concern for clarification.
B. Insulin glargine: Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin used to control blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. While it's important to monitor blood sugar levels in patients receiving opioids, especially if they have diabetes, insulin glargine itself doesn't directly interact with morphine or the PCA pump.
C. Ondansetron: Ondansetron is an anti-nausea medication commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting, particularly associated with chemotherapy or surgery. Patients receiving morphine, especially those with cancer, may also be prone to nausea. Ondansetron helps manage this side effect and does not typically interact adversely with morphine.
D. Naloxone: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdose, including respiratory depression, caused by drugs like morphine. It's administered in emergency situations to counteract the potentially life-threatening effects of opioids. While naloxone is critical for opioid safety, its presence on the medication list requires clear understanding and specific instructions regarding its use, dosage, and administration protocols in case of opioid-related emergencies.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A client received 0900 medications at 0930:
This situation involves a medication administration error where the medications were administered later than the scheduled time. An incident report should be completed to document the error, investigate the circumstances, and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
B. A client who has asthma was administered tiotropium via inhalation:
Tiotropium is an appropriate medication for asthma. As long as it was administered according to the prescribed guidelines, there is no need for an incident report.
C. A client received a blood transfusion with dextrose 5% in water:
This situation involves a significant medication error, as dextrose 5% in water is not the appropriate solution for a blood transfusion. An incident report should be completed to document the error, investigate the circumstances, and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
D. A client received an infusion of lipids through a central line:
If the infusion of lipids through a central line was ordered and administered appropriately, there is no need for an incident report. Lipid infusions are commonly administered through central lines when indicated.
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