A nurse is caring for an older adult client who was admitted with a urinary tract infection.

Findings upon admission:

The nurse is assessing the client 12 hr later. How should the nurse interpret the findings? For each finding, click to specify whether the finding is unrelated to the diagnosis, a sign of potential improvement, or a sign of potential worsening condition.

Exhibits

Findings 12 hr later: Unrelated to diagnosis /Indication of potential improvement / Indication of potential worsening of condition

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.

A. The client's dyspnea and elevated blood pressure may indicate fluid volume overload. Slowing the infusion rate and notifying the provider are appropriate actions.
B. Lowering the head of the bed may help with dyspnea but does not address the underlying cause of fluid overload.
C. Administering corticosteroids is not indicated based on the client's symptoms and situation.
D. Changing the infusion to lactated Ringer's may be appropriate, but slowing the infusion rate and assessing the client further are the priority actions.