A patient newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus is admitted to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. ABG results reveal a pH of 7.2 and a bicarbonate level of 20 mEq/L. What other assessment findings should the nurse anticipate in this patient? Select all that apply.

Dysrhythmias.

Kussmaul respirations.

Weakness.

Cold, clammy skin.

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : B,C,E

Choice A rationale:

Dysrhythmias are not a direct consequence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or the acid-base imbalance indicated by the patient's pH of 7.2 and bicarbonate level of 20 mEq/L. DKA primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to Kussmaul respirations, not dysrhythmias.

Choice B rationale:

Kussmaul respirations are an expected finding in a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and metabolic acidosis. These deep, rapid breaths are the body's attempt to compensate for the acidosis by eliminating excess CO2.

Choice C rationale:

Weakness is a common symptom of DKA. The hyperglycemia and acidosis result in intracellular dehydration and impaired cellular function, leading to weakness and fatigue.

Choice D rationale:

Cold, clammy skin is not typically associated with DKA. Instead, patients with DKA may have warm, dry skin due to dehydration and impaired thermoregulation.

Choice E rationale:

Tachycardia is an expected finding in a patient with DKA. The metabolic acidosis and dehydration lead to an increase in heart rate as the body attempts to maintain perfusion.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Hypophosphatemia is a condition characterized by low levels of phosphate in the blood, which can be caused by various factors, including malnutrition. In this case, the patient has a history of stomach ulcers, which might have contributed to poor nutrient absorption. The nurse should request a dietitian consult to ensure the patient receives an appropriate diet rich in phosphorus, which is essential for cellular function, bone health, and energy metabolism.

Choice B rationale:

Providing aluminum hydroxide antacids as prescribed is not the appropriate intervention for hypophosphatemia. Aluminum hydroxide antacids can bind to phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing its absorption and potentially worsening the patient's already low phosphate levels.

Choice C rationale:

Instructing the patient to avoid poultry, peanuts, and seeds is not suitable for this situation. These foods are good sources of phosphorus, and avoiding them would further deplete the patient's already low phosphate levels.

Choice D rationale:

Instructing the patient to avoid the intake of sodium phosphate is not necessary for hypophosphatemia. While sodium phosphate preparations are used as laxatives, there is no indication that the patient is taking them, and they are not relevant to the management of hypophosphatemia.

A. Administering a potassium-sparing diuretic. B. Administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate. C. Initiating an IV potassium infusion. D. Encouraging the client to eat bananas.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is choice B) Administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

Choice A rationale:

Administering a potassium-sparing diuretic is not appropriate for a client with hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). Potassium-sparing diuretics would further increase potassium levels, worsening the condition.

Choice B rationale:

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is used to treat hyperkalemia. It works by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestines, which helps to lower serum potassium levels by excreting it through the stool.

Choice C rationale:

Initiating an IV potassium infusion would be contraindicated in this situation as it would increase the already elevated potassium levels, potentially leading to dangerous cardiac complications.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging the client to eat bananas is not advisable because bananas are high in potassium, which would exacerbate hyperkalemia.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A patient newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus is admitted to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. ABG results reveal a pH of 7.2 and a bicarbonate level of 20 mEq/L. What other assessment findings should the nurse anticipate in this patient? Select all that apply.

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient with a history of stomach ulcers is diagnosed with hypophosphatemia. What intervention should the nurse include in this patient's plan of care?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory values and discovers the client has a serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L. Which of the following interventions should the nurse anticipate?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The patient who has a serum magnesium level of 1.4 mg/dL is being treated with dietary modification. Which foods should the nurse suggest for this patient?

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving IV fluids to correct dehydration. Which of the following laboratory values should indicate to the nurse that the client is effectively responding to treatment?

A nurse is caring for four hospitalized clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as being at risk for fluid volume deficit?

The nurse is reviewing the health problems for a group of assigned patients. Which patient does the nurse recognize as being at increased risk for developing metabolic alkalosis?

A nurse is assessing a client who has chronic kidney disease for fluid volume increase. Which of the following provides a reliable measure of fluid retention?

The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with hypocalcemia. What additional assessments should the nurse include when caring for this patient?

The nurse is caring for a patient who is anxious and dizzy following a traumatic experience. The arterial blood gas findings include: pH 7.48, PaO2 110, PaCO2 25, and HCO3 24. Which intervention should the nurse expect to be prescribed to correct this problem?