A nurse is caring for a client who has gastroenteritis. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse recognize as an indication that the client is experiencing dehydration?

A) This response offers a solution by involving a social worker who can assist the client in exploring financial assistance programs or alternative medication options.
B) While contacting the pharmacy may be helpful, it does not guarantee a solution to the client's financial constraints.
C) Involving the occupational therapist for a home visit is not directly related to addressing the client's inability to afford medication.
D) Instructing the client to ask their provider to prescribe a cheaper medication puts the responsibility solely on the client and may not address the underlying issue effectively.

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.