A nurse is caring for a client who has prescriptions for furosemide and gentamicin. For which of the following complications should the nurse monitor the client?

Rationale for correct choices

• an endoscopy: The client reports a 3-week history of gnawing, burning epigastric pain that radiates to the back, worsens after meals, and is accompanied by one episode of dark, tarry stool. These symptoms suggest a possible peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding. An endoscopy is the definitive diagnostic procedure to visualize the gastric mucosa, identify ulcers, and assess for bleeding.

• stool test results: The presence of a dark, tarry stool indicates possible gastrointestinal bleeding (melena). Stool testing, such as a fecal occult blood test, provides objective evidence of bleeding and guides the urgency and necessity of endoscopy. This finding is a key indicator for further gastrointestinal evaluation.

Rationale for incorrect choices

• oxygen via nonrebreather mask: The client’s respiratory assessment shows bilateral clear breath sounds and no signs of hypoxia. Oxygen therapy is not indicated based on current findings, as there is no respiratory compromise.

• an antifungal prescription: There is no evidence of fungal infection. The client’s symptoms are consistent with gastrointestinal pathology, not a fungal etiology. Prescribing an antifungal would be inappropriate without clinical or laboratory indications.

• respiratory rate: The respiratory rate is normal and does not correlate with the presenting gastrointestinal symptoms. It is not a primary indicator for diagnostic intervention in this case.

• temperature: The client does not report fever or signs of infection at this time. While monitoring temperature is standard, it is not a primary indicator for diagnosing peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding in this scenario.

Rationale:

A. Tachycardia: Tachycardia is common in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) due to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and compensatory mechanisms for hypotension. The heart rate increases to maintain adequate perfusion in response to fluid loss and acidosis.

B. HCO3 in expected range: In DKA, bicarbonate (HCO3) levels are decreased due to metabolic acidosis. The body uses bicarbonate to buffer excess ketone acids, so HCO3 is typically below the normal range, not within expected limits.

C. Increased PaCO2: In DKA, PaCO2 is usually decreased due to Kussmaul respirations (deep, rapid breathing) as the body attempts to compensate for metabolic acidosis by blowing off CO2. Elevated PaCO2 would indicate hypoventilation, which is not characteristic of DKA.

D. Hyperreflexia: DKA does not typically cause hyperreflexia. Neurological changes, if present, are more likely to involve lethargy, confusion, or coma due to severe acidosis, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances, rather than exaggerated reflexes.