A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department.
The nurse is caring for the client in the ED. The nurse understands that the client is at risk of developing which of the following complications? Select all that apply.
Hypotension
Respiratory alkalosis
Septic shock
Cardiac arrhythmias
Renal failure
Cerebral edema
Correct Answer : A,D,E,F
A) DKA can lead to several complications, including hypotension, which is indicated by the client's low blood pressure reading of 96/65 mm Hg.
B) Respiratory alkalosis is less likely because DKA typically leads to metabolic acidosis, as indicated by the low pH of 7.30.
C) DKA does not result in septic shock but it instead causes hypovolemic shock in case of severe dehydration.
D) Cardiac arrhythmias can occur due to the electrolyte imbalances, as evidenced by the high potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L.
E) Renal failure is another potential complication, suggested by the elevated creatinine level of 1.7 mg/dL. The client's hyperglycemia and dehydration can stress the kidneys, potentially leading to acute kidney injury or renal failure.
F) Cerebral edema is a less common but severe complication of DKA, especially in children and adolescents, and should be considered given the client's symptoms of frequent urination and extreme thirst. It results from over-hydration of the client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["69"]
Explanation
To calculate the daily protein requirement for the client, first convert the weight from pounds to kilograms, knowing that 1 kilogram equals 2.2 pounds.
The client's weight in kilograms is 190 lb divided by 2.2, which equals approximately
86.36 kg.
Then, multiply the weight in kilograms by the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of protein, which is 0.8 g/kg. So, 86.36 kg multiplied by 0.8 g/kg equals about
69.09 g. Rounding to the nearest whole number, the client should receive 69 grams of protein daily.
Correct Answer is ["D","E","H"]
Explanation
A. This prescription addresses hypokalemia. Potassium chloride is administered intravenously to help normalize potassium levels within the desired range. However, in this case the patient’s potassium is 5.5 hence does not require potassium chloride.
B. The client has mild hyperkalemia; hence, continuous cardiac monitoring is prudent to detect any potential arrhythmias or changes in cardiac status. However, the priority interventions are insulin therapy, hydration, and urinary catheter insertionto monitor input and output.
C. Subcutaneous insulin administration may be appropriate for clients with diabetes mellitus, but in this case, the client's blood glucose level is critically high, and they may be experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which requires rapid correction. Subcutaneous insulin administration would not provide the prompt and aggressive treatment required for DKA.
D. This prescription addresses the client's hyperglycemia and acidosis indicated by the blood glucose level of 468 mg/dL and pH of 7.30, respectively. Continuous intravenous insulin infusion is the standard treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) to lower blood glucose levels and correct acidosis.
E. This prescription addresses the client's dehydration indicated by the elevated blood glucose level, decreased blood pressure, and slight tenting of the skin. Intravenous fluid resuscitation with 0.9% sodium chloride is initiated to restore intravascular volume and correct electrolyte imbalances.
F. Administering D5W intravenously is contraindicated in the setting of hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) because it would exacerbate the already elevated blood glucose levels. D5W contains glucose and would further increase blood glucose levels, worsening the client's condition.
G. While monitoring blood glucose levels is important for clients with diabetes, checking it every 4 hours is not sufficient in this scenario, especially given the client's markedly elevated blood glucose level of 468 mg/dL and symptoms suggestive of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Therefore, blood glucose levels should be monitored at least hourly.
H. Monitoring urine output is important in clients with diabetes and dehydration. Therefore, inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is important in this scenario.
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