A nurse is admitting a 45-year-old male client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus in the emergency department.
Select the findings that require immediate attention.
Glasgow Coma Scale score
Client's self-monitoring of blood glucose
Bicarbonate level
Vaccess
Oxygen saturation
Blood pressure results
ECG findings
Sodium level
Correct Answer : A,C,F,G,H
Choice A rationale:
The Glasgow Coma Scale score has decreased from 14 to 12, indicating a decline in the client's level of consciousness. This finding requires immediate attention as it may signify worsening neurological status or an underlying condition such as metabolic disturbances, hypoxia, or intracranial pathology.
Choice C rationale:
The bicarbonate level is 13 mEq/L, which is significantly lower than the normal range of 21-28 mEq/L. This indicates metabolic acidosis, a condition where the blood is too acidic. It requires immediate intervention to prevent severe complications such as shock or organ failure.
Choice F rationale:
The client's blood pressure readings show hypotension with a supine blood pressure of 100/70 mm Hg and sitting blood pressure of 85/50 mm Hg. This suggests hemodynamic instability, which could be due to dehydration, sepsis, or other critical conditions requiring urgent treatment.
Choice G rationale:
The ECG findings indicate tachycardia with a prolonged PR interval, widened QRS complex, and peaked T waves. These are signs of hyperkalemia, a potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate attention to prevent cardiac arrest.
Choice H rationale:
The sodium level is 152 mEq/L, which is higher than the normal range of 136-145 mEq/L, indicating hypernatremia. This electrolyte imbalance can lead to severe neurological symptoms and requires prompt correction to prevent complications such as seizures or coma.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A breast cancer survivor for 8 years without recurrence is generally considered for transplantation if otherwise healthy.
Choice B rationale
Age 65 is not an absolute contraindication for kidney transplantation. Many factors such as overall health status are considered.
Choice C rationale
Alcohol use disorder is a contraindication due to the potential for poor adherence to post-transplant care and medication, as well as the increased risk of liver damage.
Choice D rationale
Having a pacemaker is not an absolute contraindication for a kidney transplant; individuals with pacemakers can still be eligible for transplantation if otherwise healthy.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Acidosis is a key characteristic of diabetic ketoacidosis due to the accumulation of ketoacids in the body from fat metabolism.
Choice B rationale
Low blood sugar is not associated with diabetic ketoacidosis; it is characterized by hyperglycemia.
Choice C rationale
Ketosis occurs in DKA due to the breakdown of fats instead of glucose for energy, leading to an accumulation of ketones.
Choice D rationale
Fluid overload is not typical of diabetic ketoacidosis; dehydration is more common due to osmotic diuresis.
Choice E rationale
Hyperglycemia is a hallmark of diabetic ketoacidosis, resulting from the lack of insulin and the consequent high levels of glucose in the blood.
Choice F rationale
Alkalosis is not associated with diabetic ketoacidosis; the condition is defined by metabolic acidosis. .
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