A nurse is collecting data from a client who has diabetes mellitus. Which of the following findings indicates that the client is experiencing DKA?

Choice A: Potassium 2.5 mEq/L. This is the priority data collection finding that the nurse should identify according to the ABCDE principle, which prioritizes interventions based on airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure. The nurse should identify potassium 2.5 mEq/L as the priority because it indicates hypokalemia, which is a low level of potassium in the blood. Potassium is an electrolyte that regulates the electrical activity of the heart and muscles. Hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and paralysis, which can be life-threatening.

Choice B: Blood glucose 150 mg/dL. This is not the priority data collection finding that the nurse should identify for a client who has acute gastroenteritis. Blood glucose 150 mg/dL indicates hyperglycemia, which is a high level of glucose in the blood. Hyperglycemia can be caused by dehydration, stress, infection, or medication side effects.

Hyperglycemia can cause symptoms such as polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and fatigue. It can also lead to complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, which are serious but not as urgent as hypokalemia.

Choice C: Urine specific gravity 1.035. This is not the priority data collection finding that the nurse should identify for a client who has acute gastroenteritis. Urine specific gravity 1.035 indicates concentrated urine, which can be caused by dehydration or fluid loss. Dehydration can result from vomiting and diarrhea, which are common symptoms of acute gastroenteritis. Dehydration can cause symptoms such as dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, hypotension, and oliguria. It can also lead to complications such as shock or kidney failure, which are serious but not as urgent as hypokalemia.

Choice D: Weight loss of 3% of total body weight. This is not the priority data collection finding that the nurse should identify for a client who has acute gastroenteritis. Weight loss of 3% of total body weight indicates mild to moderate dehydration, which can be caused by fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea. Weight loss can also reflect loss of muscle mass or fat tissue due to malnutrition or inflammation. Weight loss can affect the client’s nutritional status and immune function, but it is not as urgent as hypokalemia.

Choice A: Implement neutropenia isolation. This is not an action that the nurse should take for a client who has developed a Clostridium difficile infection. Neutropenia isolation is a type of protective isolation that is used for

clients who have low white blood cell counts and are at risk of infection from others. It is not indicated for clients who have Clostridium difficile infection, which is not transmited through the air.

Choice B: Use alcohol hand sanitizer following client care. This is not an action that the nurse should take for a client who has developed a Clostridium difficile infection. Alcohol hand sanitizer is ineffective against Clostridium difficile spores and can increase the risk of transmission. The nurse should wash their hands with soap and water, which can remove the spores from the skin.

Choice C: Monitor the client for manifestations of fluid overload. This is not an action that the nurse should take for a client who has developed a Clostridium difficile infection. Fluid overload is a condition that occurs when the body retains excess fluid and causes symptoms such as edema, dyspnea, and hypertension. It is not related to Clostridium difficile infection, which can cause fluid loss due to diarrhea and dehydration. The nurse should monitor the client for manifestations of fluid deficit, such as dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, and hypotension.

Choice D: Disinfect equipment with bleach solution. This is an action that the nurse should take for a client who has developed a Clostridium difficile infection, which is a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. Clostridium difficile spores are resistant to most disinfectants and can survive on surfaces for a long time. The nurse should disinfect equipment with bleach solution, which can kill the spores and prevent transmission.