A nurse is collecting data on a patient who has hyperthyroidism.
Which of the following symptoms should the nurse anticipate the patient to report?

Choice A rationale:

Confusion can be a symptom of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. The condition develops when your body can’t produce enough insulin. Insulin normally plays a key role in helping sugar (glucose) — a major source of energy for your muscles and other tissues — enter your cells. Without enough insulin, your body begins to break down fat as fuel. This process produces a buildup of acids in the bloodstream called ketones, eventually leading to diabetic ketoacidosis if untreated.

Choice B rationale:

Polydipsia, or excessive thirst, is another common symptom of DKA. High blood sugar levels can cause increased urination, leading to dehydration and an increased feeling of thirst.

Choice C rationale:

A rapid pulse is also a symptom of DKA. This is because the body is trying to compensate for the low amount of fluid in your blood vessels due to dehydration.

Choice D rationale:

Clammy skin is not typically a symptom of DKA. It’s more commonly associated with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), not hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) which is what occurs in DKA1.

Choice A rationale:

Administering the medications using a 3-mL medication syringe is not the best practice. While it is possible to use a 3-mL syringe for medication administration, it is not the most efficient or safest method. A larger syringe allows for easier administration and reduces the risk of creating too much pressure which could potentially damage the PEG tube.

Choice B rationale:

Applying firm pressure on the syringe’s piston to infuse the medication is not recommended. This can create too much pressure in the PEG tube and could potentially cause damage. It is generally advised to allow the medication to flow into the tube via gravity. Choice C rationale:

Flushing the tubing with 30 mL of saline after the medication has been given is the correct technique. This helps to ensure that all of the medication has been administered and also helps to keep the tube clear of any potential blockages.

Choice D rationale:

Using the barrel of the syringe, allowing the medication to flow via gravity into the tube is a common practice. However, it is not the only step in the process. It is also important to flush the tube before and after medication administration to ensure all medication is delivered and to maintain the patency of the tube.