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 "{\"xRanges\":[232.4270782470703,272.4270782470703],\"yRanges\":[382.1666450500488,422.1666450500488]}"
Explanation
To determine if the child is experiencing subcostal retractions, check the area beneath the ribcage.
D - Subcostal Area:
Subcostal retractions occur below the ribs and are a sign of respiratory distress, indicating increased effort to breathe.
Observing this area can reveal inward movement during inspiration, suggesting difficulty in breathing, often seen in asthma exacerbations.
Rationale
A - Incorrect:
This area is near the clavicle and not related to subcostal retractions.
B - Incorrect:
This is the intercostal area, which can also show retractions but is not subcostal.
C - Incorrect:
This area is too central and does not correspond with subcostal retractions.
Focusing on D allows the nurse to assess the presence of subcostal retractions effectively.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "Tilt the spirometer toward yourself so you can see the balls rise": Tilting the spirometer is not necessary and may affect its accuracy. The spirometer should be held in an upright position to ensure correct measurement of inhalation.
B) "Inhale deeply and hold each breath for a minimum of 10 seconds": Inhaling deeply is important, but holding each breath for 10 seconds is not a typical recommendation for using an incentive spirometer. The goal is to inhale deeply and slowly, without necessarily holding the breath for an extended period.
C) "Exhale before sealing your lips around the mouthpiece": Exhaling before using the spirometer is not recommended. The correct procedure involves inhaling deeply and slowly after sealing your lips around the mouthpiece to ensure accurate measurement and effective lung expansion.
D) "Use your incentive spirometer every 4 hours while you are awake": Frequent use of the incentive spirometer, often every hour while awake, is recommended to improve lung function and prevent complications such as atelectasis. Using it every 4 hours may not be sufficient for effective respiratory therapy.
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