A nurse is providing care for several clients who have type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following clients is most at risk for developing hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS)?

Choice A reason:

A client admitted for hip fracture surgery is at risk for various complications, but not specifically for hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS). HHS is more commonly triggered by infections, severe dehydration, or other acute illnesses. While surgery can be a stressor, it is not as directly linked to HHS as infections are.

Choice B reason:

A client who is awaiting cataract surgery is not typically at high risk for developing HHS. Cataract surgery is generally a planned and controlled procedure that does not usually involve the acute stressors or infections that can precipitate HHS.

Choice C reason:

A client who is receiving an antibiotic for a urinary tract infection is at a higher risk for developing HHS. Infections are a common precipitating factor for HHS because they can cause significant stress on the body, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. The body’s response to infection can exacerbate hyperglycemia, especially in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Choice D reason:

A client who is being evaluated for a breast lump is not typically at high risk for HHS. While the evaluation process can be stressful, it does not usually involve the acute physiological stressors or infections that are more directly linked to the development of HHS.

The correct answer is a) Serum potassium levels.

Choice A reason:

Serum potassium levels are crucial to monitor in clients with hypervolemia, ketoacidosis, and metabolic acidosis. Potassium imbalances are common in these conditions due to shifts between intracellular and extracellular compartments. In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), for example, insulin deficiency and acidosis cause potassium to move out of cells, leading to hyperkalemia. However, once treatment with insulin begins, potassium shifts back into cells, which can cause hypokalemia. Both hyperkalemia and hypokalemia can have serious cardiac implications, making it essential to monitor and manage potassium levels closely.

Choice B reason:

Serum calcium levels are important for overall health, but they are not the primary concern in the context of hypervolemia, ketoacidosis, and metabolic acidosis. While calcium imbalances can occur, they are less common and less immediately life-threatening compared to potassium imbalances. Monitoring calcium is still necessary, but it does not require the same level of immediate intervention.

Choice C reason:

Serum sodium levels are also important to monitor, especially in conditions like hypervolemia where fluid balance is disrupted. However, sodium imbalances are typically managed through fluid management and do not pose the same immediate risk as potassium imbalances in the context of ketoacidosis and metabolic acidosis. Hyponatremia or hypernatremia can cause neurological symptoms, but these are generally less acute compared to the cardiac risks associated with potassium imbalances.

Choice D reason:

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels provide information about kidney function and hydration status. Elevated BUN can indicate dehydration or renal impairment, which are relevant in the context of hypervolemia and ketoacidosis. However, BUN levels do not require the same level of immediate intervention as potassium levels. Monitoring BUN is important for overall management but is not the primary concern in acute settings.