A nurse is providing care for a client who has diabetes mellitus. Which of the following laboratory findings indicates the client most likely to be diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Serum sodium 140 mg/dL

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 18 mg/dL

Serum bicarbonate less than 15

Arterial blood pH 7.46

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Serum sodium 140 mg/dL: This is a normal sodium level and does not provide diagnostic information specific to DKA. Sodium may fluctuate in DKA but is not a defining lab value for the condition.
B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 18 mg/dL: This BUN level is within normal limits. Although BUN can be elevated in DKA due to dehydration, a normal value does not support the diagnosis of DKA on its own.
C. Serum bicarbonate less than 15: A low bicarbonate level indicates metabolic acidosis, which is a key diagnostic feature of DKA. It reflects the buffering of excess ketone acids in the blood, making this a highly specific indicator.
D. Arterial blood pH 7.46: This value is slightly alkalotic and inconsistent with DKA, which is characterized by metabolic acidosis and a pH usually below 7.3. Elevated pH would suggest another acid-base disorder.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. "The elevated blood sugar from my diabetes can cause underlying nerve damage.": Chronic hyperglycemia leads to damage of small blood vessels that nourish peripheral nerves, resulting in nerve dysfunction and symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and burning pain, especially in the feet.
B. "The older I get, there is less blood flowing to my feet.": While aging can reduce circulation, diabetic neuropathy is primarily caused by elevated glucose levels damaging nerves, not just reduced blood flow from age alone.
C. "The nerves just go to sleep when I lie down because no message gets from my brain to the spinal cord.": Peripheral neuropathy is not due to disrupted communication between the brain and spinal cord but from damage to peripheral nerves caused by long-term hyperglycemia.
D. "The nerve damage may occur for unknown reasons in any individual.": Diabetic neuropathy has a clearly defined cause—persistent high blood sugar levels—making it distinct from idiopathic neuropathies, which have no known origin.

A. The client who is recovering from a recent illness that caused vomiting and c B. The client whose mother and uncle were diagnosed with this same condition C. The client who had a myocardial infarction and required stent placement. D. The client who is out of work and has been experiencing increased stress.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. The client who is recovering from a recent illness that caused vomiting and dehydration: Although recent illness can increase the risk of various heart conditions, it does not place the client at the highest risk for developing atrial flutter compared to those with established cardiovascular disease.
B. The client whose mother and uncle were diagnosed with this same condition: Family history can increase the risk of atrial flutter, but it is less of a risk factor than existing heart disease.
C. The client who had a myocardial infarction and required stent placement: This client is at the highest risk due to the structural and electrical changes in the heart that occur following a myocardial infarction, making them more prone to atrial flutter.
D. The client who is out of work and has been experiencing increased stress: While stress can contribute to heart conditions, it is not a significant direct risk factor for atrial flutter when compared to prior heart events like a myocardial infarction.

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A nurse is providing care for a client who has diabetes mellitus. Which of the following laboratory findings indicates the client most likely to be diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a group of clients about risk factors for developing atrial flutter. Which of the following clients should the nurse understand is at highest risk for developing atrial flutter?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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