A patient is admitted to the hospital with hyperosmolar hyperglycemia. The patient has a BG value of 987 mg/dL. Which is the priority focus while providing care?
Identifying age-related changes
Monitoring BG level
Establishing the presence of an illness
Improving hydration status
The Correct Answer is D
D. The priority focus in the acute management of hyperosmolar hyperglycemia is improving hydration status. Patients with HHS are severely dehydrated due to the osmotic diuresis caused by extremely high blood glucose levels. Rapid rehydration is critical to prevent shock, improve organ perfusion, and reduce blood glucose levels.
A. It's important to consider age-related changes in any patient but this is not the immediate priority in the acute management of hyperosmolar hyperglycemia. The primary concern is addressing the acute, life-threatening aspects of the condition.
B. Monitoring blood glucose levels is critical in managing hyperosmolar hyperglycemia. However, while it is essential to track the BG levels to guide insulin therapy and assess the response to treatment, it is not the immediate priority in terms of interventions needed to stabilize the patient initially.
C. Determining the underlying cause of hyperosmolar hyperglycemia, such as an infection or other illness, is important for comprehensive treatment. However, it is a secondary priority to stabilizing the patient’s current acute condition.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Insulin is typically administered via injections or an insulin pump, not in pill form. Individuals with type 1 diabetes require exogenous insulin to manage their blood sugar levels because their pancreas does not produce insulin.
B. Carbohydrate counting is a fundamental skill for individuals with diabetes, as it allows them to adjust their insulin dosage to match their carbohydrate intake, thereby helping to manage blood sugar levels.
C. Regular foot monitoring is crucial for individuals with diabetes, as they are at increased risk of developing foot problems due to nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation.
D. Maintaining blood glucose levels within the target range (80-130 mg/dL before meals) helps reduce the risk of both short-term complications (e.g., hypoglycemia) and long-term complications (e.g., neuropathy, retinopathy) associated with diabetes.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Persistent shortness of breath after using an inhaler could indicate an inadequate response to treatment or worsening asthma exacerbation. The nurse should therefore see this patient first.
A. In COPD patients pulse oximetry oxygen saturations of more than 90% are acceptable. In the treatment of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), oxygen should be titrated to achieve a target oxygen saturation range of 88-92%. This results in a greater than twofold reduction in mortality, compared with the routine administration of high-concentration oxygen therapy.
B. Administering antibiotics can be prioritized, but it may not require immediate attention compared to addressing acute respiratory distress or hypoxemia.
D. Collecting a sputum specimen for laboratory analysis is important for diagnosing and managing respiratory infections, but it may not be as time-sensitive as addressing acute respiratory distress or hypoxemia.
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