A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who has hypokalemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason:

The nurse should monitor blood glucose levels because dextrose 10% in water (D10W) is a hypertonic solution that contains glucose and can raise the blood sugar level of the patient. The nurse should check the blood glucose level before and after administering D10W to prevent hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.

Choice B reason:

The nurse should check for signs of phlebitis at the IV site because D10W is acidic and can cause venous irritation. Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein that can result from chemical, mechanical or bacterial causes. Signs of phlebitis include pain, redness, swelling, warmth and tenderness at the IV site.

Choice C reason:

The nurse should assess for fluid overload because D10W is quickly metabolized, leaving behind water that can move into the interstitial space. Fluid overload can cause edema, dyspnea, crackles, distended neck veins, increased blood pressure and decreased urine output. The nurse should monitor the intake and output, vital signs, weight and breath sounds of the patient.

Choice D reason:

The nurse does not need to evaluate serum sodium levels because D10W does not contain sodium or affect the sodium balance of the patient. D10W is used to provide some nutrition with glucose, not to correct electrolyte imbalances.

Choice E reason:

The nurse does not need to observe for signs of hypoglycemia because D10W is unlikely to cause hypoglycemia unless there is a sudden interruption or discontinuation of the infusion. Hypoglycemia is a low blood sugar level that can cause shakiness, diaphoresis, confusion, weakness, hunger and headache. The nurse should monitor the blood glucose level and administer D10W at a steady rate to prevent hypoglycemia.

Choice A reason:

Hypernatremia is not a likely complication of fluid therapy for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) Hypernatremia occurs when there is a loss of water or an excess of sodium in the body. Fluid therapy for DKA usually involves normal saline and dextrose, which do not cause hypernatremia. In fact, fluid therapy may help correct the dehydration and hyperosmolality that are associated with DKA.

Choice B reason:

Hyperkalemia is also not a likely complication of fluid therapy for DKA. Hyperkalemia occurs when there is an excess of potassium in the blood. Fluid therapy for DKA usually involves insulin infusion, which helps lower the potassium level by driving it into the cells. Insulin also helps lower the blood glucose level and reverse the acidosis that are characteristic of DKA.

Choice C reason:

Fluid volume deficit is a common manifestation of DKA, not a complication of fluid therapy. Fluid volume deficit occurs when there is a loss of fluid and electrolytes from the body due to osmotic diuresis, vomiting, and increased respiratory rate. Fluid therapy for DKA aims to restore the fluid volume and correct the electrolyte imbalances that result from fluid loss.

Choice D reason:

Cerebral edema is a potential complication of fluid therapy for DKA, especially in children and young adults. Cerebral edema occurs when there is an increase in intracranial pressure due to swelling of the brain tissue. Fluid therapy for DKA may cause cerebral edema by altering the osmotic gradient between the blood and the brain, leading to fluid shifts into the brain cells. Cerebral edema can cause neurological symptoms such as headache, confusion, seizures, and coma.