A woman at 12 weeks' gestation comes to the clinic for her first prenatal visit.

After completing a health history, the nurse should discuss which topic about pregnancy at this initial visit?

The correct answer is choicea. Carry on with surgical preparation of the client without a signed informed consent.

Choice A rationale:

In emergency situations where immediate surgery is required to save a patient’s life and no family members are available, the doctrine of presumed consent applies.This means that healthcare providers can proceed with necessary treatment without a signed informed consent to prevent serious harm or death.

Choice B rationale:

Asking the man’s friend to sign the informed consent is not appropriate because friends are not legally authorized to provide consent for medical procedures unless they have legal documentation proving their authority.

Choice C rationale:

Notifying the unit manager for an emergency court order would delay the necessary surgery, which could be detrimental to the patient’s health. In emergencies, immediate action is required, and waiting for a court order is not feasible.

Choice D rationale:

Continuing to provide life support while searching for a guardian would also delay the necessary surgery. In life-threatening situations, immediate surgical intervention is prioritized over finding a legal guardian.

Choice A rationale:

Correcting electrolytes that are out of normal range is a crucial goal of therapy for this client. In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the body’s cells are unable to use glucose for energy due to a lack of insulin. This leads to the breakdown of fat for energy, producing ketones as a by-product. Ketones are acidic and can cause the blood’s pH to decrease, leading to metabolic acidosis. This process also leads to an increased production and excretion of electrolytes such as potassium and sodium. Therefore, correcting these electrolyte imbalances is a key goal of therapy.

Choice B rationale:

While promoting oxygenation to tissues is generally important in critical care, it is not a specific goal in the management of DKA. The primary issues in DKA are metabolic in nature, including hyperglycemia, ketosis, and acidosis.

Choice C rationale:

Preventing hyperventilation is not a specific goal in the management of DKA. Hyperventilation in DKA is a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis (Kussmaul breathing). The body tries to expel more carbon dioxide to reduce the acidity of the blood.

Choice D rationale:

Reversing dehydration is another important goal of therapy for this client. In DKA, high blood glucose levels lead to osmotic diuresis, where water is drawn into the urine from the blood, leading to dehydration. This can cause hypotension and reduced tissue perfusion. Therefore, reversing dehydration through fluid replacement is a key part of treatment.

Choice E rationale:

Replacing insulin is a fundamental goal of therapy for this client. Insulin deficiency is the primary cause of DKA. Insulin allows glucose to enter cells where it can be used for energy, preventing the breakdown of fat for energy and the subsequent production of ketones.

Choice F rationale:

Providing respiratory support may be necessary in severe cases of DKA where the patient’s compensatory respiratory efforts are insufficient to maintain adequate gas exchange. However, it is not one of the primary goals of therapy in DKA management.