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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Obtain orders from the health care provider to discontinue catheters as soon as possible: Early removal of indwelling urinary catheters is a key strategy to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Prolonged use increases the risk of bacterial colonization and infection, making prompt discontinuation essential in reducing UTI rates.
B. Encourage adequate fluid intake every day: Increased fluid intake helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract, reducing the likelihood of infection. It also promotes more frequent urination, which prevents urine stasis, a risk factor for UTIs.
C. Promote perineal care that includes wiping the perineum from the front to the back: Proper perineal hygiene helps prevent the transfer of bacteria from the rectal area to the urethra, especially in female clients, thus reducing the risk of ascending urinary tract infections.
D. Remind clients to urinate right away when they have an urge and to completely empty their bladder:
Delaying urination can lead to urinary stasis, which provides a breeding ground for bacteria. Incomplete bladder emptying also increases the risk of infection, especially in older adults with impaired bladder function.
E. Continue prescribed antibiotics even if the client's symptoms have subsided: While it is important for clients to complete a full course of antibiotics, this action is directed at treating current infections rather than preventing new ones. It is not a preventive strategy for reducing facility-wide UTI rates.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. S–Situation: The situation includes immediate information about why the client is being transferred or receiving care, such as current symptoms, diagnosis, or presenting complaint. It does not include upcoming procedures or equipment needs.
B. R–Recommendations: Recommendations include what actions or interventions are needed next, such as upcoming tests, procedures, or equipment setup. Mentioning the need for a suction setup and an endoscopy reflects planning for ongoing care and falls under this category.
C. B–Background: Background refers to the client's medical history, diagnosis, and events leading up to the current situation. It gives context but does not include plans for future care.
D. A–Assessment: Assessment includes clinical findings, vital signs, laboratory results, and how the client is currently presenting. It focuses on objective and subjective data, not future recommendations or equipment planning.
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