A nurse working in an emergency department is reviewing laboratory results of a client who is unconscious and has fruity odor to his breath. The nurse suspects diabetic ketoacidosis. Which of the following results should the nurse expect for this acid-base imbalance?
Bicarbonate 26 mEq/L
Serum pH 7.32
Creatinine 1.2 mg/dL
BUN 20 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is B
A) Bicarbonate 26 mEq/L: A bicarbonate level of 26 mEq/L is within the normal range (22-28 mEq/L) and does not indicate metabolic acidosis, which is characteristic of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In DKA, bicarbonate levels are usually decreased due to buffering of the excess acids.
B) Serum pH 7.32: A serum pH of 7.32 is indicative of acidemia, which is consistent with metabolic acidosis seen in DKA. The pH is typically lower than the normal range (7.35-7.45) in DKA due to the accumulation of ketoacids.
C) Creatinine 1.2 mg/dL: A creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL is slightly elevated but does not specifically indicate metabolic acidosis. Elevated creatinine may suggest renal impairment but is not directly linked to the acid-base disturbance seen in DKA.
D) BUN 20 mg/dL: A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 20 mg/dL is elevated and may indicate dehydration or kidney dysfunction but does not specifically diagnose the acid-base imbalance associated with DKA. In DKA, bicarbonate and pH levels are more directly affected.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "Limit sodium intake to 3,500 milligrams per day.":
Limiting sodium intake is crucial for managing heart failure to prevent fluid retention and exacerbation of symptoms. However, the recommended limit is typically much lower, around 1,500 to 2,000 milligrams per day, not 3,500 milligrams.
B) "Take ibuprofen for discomfort.":
Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are not recommended for clients with heart failure as they can cause fluid retention, worsen heart failure symptoms, and increase the risk of kidney problems. Alternatives such as acetaminophen are generally safer for pain relief.
C) "Increase the distance you walk by 100 feet daily, even if you feel fatigued.":
While regular exercise is important, clients with heart failure should not push through fatigue, as overexertion can lead to worsening symptoms. Exercise recommendations should be tailored to the individual's tolerance and should be adjusted based on their energy levels.
D) "Include no more than 2,000 milliliters of fluid intake in 24 hours.":
Restricting fluid intake to 2,000 milliliters per day helps prevent fluid overload, which is critical for managing heart failure. Monitoring and limiting fluid intake can help control symptoms such as edema and shortness of breath.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Reports intolerance to heat: Intolerance to heat is more commonly associated with conditions like hyperthyroidism rather than iron-deficiency anemia. Individuals with iron-deficiency anemia often experience fatigue and cold intolerance due to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
B) Develops bradycardia after eating: Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not typically associated with iron-deficiency anemia. Anemia usually causes an increased heart rate (tachycardia) as the body tries to compensate for reduced oxygen delivery.
C) Has a friction rub on auscultation: A friction rub is a sound heard on auscultation associated with pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, and is not a typical finding in iron-deficiency anemia. Anemia primarily affects the blood and does not usually cause inflammation of the heart lining.
D) Displays dyspnea while walking: Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is a common symptom of iron-deficiency anemia, particularly with exertion. This occurs because the reduced hemoglobin levels result in decreased oxygen delivery to tissues, making physical activities more challenging and causing breathlessness.
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