A nurse is reviewing a client’s laboratory results and sees that their hemoglobin A1C is 9. Which of the following statements from the nurse is appropriate?

Choice A reason:

Injections in the thigh are absorbed more slowly compared to the abdomen. The thigh is a common site for insulin injections, but it does not provide the fastest absorption rate. The absorption rate can be influenced by physical activity, as exercise can increase blood flow to the muscles, potentially speeding up insulin absorption. However, under normal conditions, the thigh is not the fastest site for insulin absorption.

Choice B reason:

Injections in the upper arm have a moderate absorption rate. The upper arm is another common site for insulin injections, but it is not the fastest. The absorption rate from the upper arm is generally faster than the thigh but slower than the abdomen. This site can be convenient for injections, especially for those who find it difficult to reach other areas.

Choice C reason:

Injections in the buttocks have the slowest absorption rate among the common injection sites. The buttocks are less commonly used for insulin injections due to the slower absorption rate and the difficulty some individuals may have in administering injections in this area. The high fat content in the buttocks slows down the absorption of insulin.

Choice D reason:

Injections in the abdomen provide the fastest absorption rate for insulin. The abdomen is the preferred site for many people with diabetes because it has a large surface area and is easy to access. The insulin injected into the abdominal area is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, making it the most effective site for rapid-acting insulin. This is particularly important for managing blood sugar levels around meal times.

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.