A nurse is caring for a client in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following is the priority intervention by the nurse?
Initiate a continuous IV insulin infusion.
Begin bicarbonate continuous IV infusion.
Check potassium levels
Administer 0.9% sodium chloride
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Initiating a continuous IV insulin infusion is the first priority. The priority intervention for a client in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is to normalize blood glucose levels and reverse the ketoacidosis. Initiating a continuous IV insulin infusion is essential to rapidly lower the elevated blood glucose levels and counteract the metabolic acidosis associated with DKA.
Choice B reason:
Beginning a bicarbonate continuous IV infusion is generally not the priority in DKA management. While metabolic acidosis is a concern in DKA, insulin therapy and fluid resuscitation are typically the initial focus of treatment.
Choice C reason:
Checking potassium levels is important since potassium imbalances are common in DKA. However, while this is important, it is not the first priority. It's important to ensure that insulin therapy has been initiated before addressing potassium levels.
Choice D reason:
Administering 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) is a crucial part of DKA treatment but it is not the first priority as it helps correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. However, starting insulin therapy to address the underlying metabolic issue takes precedence.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Administering the unit of packed RBCs over 1 hour is not appropriate. Packed RBCs are usually administered over a longer period of time (typically 2 to 4 hours), as rapid infusion can lead to adverse reactions. The rate of administration should be based on institutional policy.
Choice B Reason:
Initiating venous access with a 21-gauge needle is not appropriate-. The needle size for venous access can vary based on the client's condition and the size of their veins. However, a larger gauge needle (e.g., 18-gauge or 20-gauge) is typically used for blood transfusions to ensure adequate flow.
Choice C Reason:
Blood products should be infused through administration sets designed specifcally for blood; use a Y-tubing or straight-tubing blood administration set that contains a filter designed to trap fibrin clots and other debris that accumulate during blood storage.
Choice D Reason:
The nurse should measure vital signs and assess lung sounds before the transfusion and again after the first 15 minutes and every 30 minutes to 1 hour (per agency policy) until 1 hour after the transfusion is completed.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Magnesium - While magnesium levels can affect cardiac function, hypomagnesemia is not a primary risk factor for digoxin toxicity.
Choice B Reason:
Potassium. An imbalance of potassium can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Hypokalaemia (low potassium levels) enhances the binding of digoxin to its target receptors in the heart, leading to an increased risk of digoxin toxicity. It's essential to monitor potassium levels in clients taking digoxin, as maintaining a stable potassium level helps prevent adverse effects associated with digoxin therapy.
Choice C Reason:
Phosphatase - Phosphate levels are not commonly associated with an increased risk of digoxin toxicity.
Choice D Reason:
Calcium - Calcium levels can affect cardiac function, but they are not a primary factor in the development of digoxin toxicity.
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