An adult patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is due to be admitted to the medical unit from the emergency department within the next hour.
The patient’s lab results show that the serum glucose is 175 mg/dL (9.63 mmol/L) and the A1c is 9%. Which meal option should the nurse request for the patient’s dinner tray?

Choice A rationale
Comparing muscle strength bilaterally is not the most important intervention in this situation. While muscle weakness can be a symptom of hyperkalemia, it is not the most immediate concern. Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, which is a more immediate threat to the patient’s life.

Choice B rationale

Observing the color and amount of urine can provide information about the patient’s renal function, which is important in the regulation of potassium. However, this is not the most immediate concern when a patient’s serum potassium level is dangerously high.

Choice C rationale
Determining the apical pulse rate and rhythm is the most important intervention. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, so the nurse should immediately assess the patient’s heart rate and rhythm. The nurse should also place the patient on a cardiac monitor, if not already done, and notify the healthcare provider immediately.

Choice D rationale
Assessing the strength of deep tendon reflexes can provide information about neuromuscular function, which can be affected by hyperkalemia. However, this is not the most immediate concern. The nurse’s priority is to assess and monitor for life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias.

Choice A rationale

Suggesting that the child participate in a team sport to encourage socialization is not the best response. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive disease that causes muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass. Participating in a team sport could be physically challenging for the child and could potentially lead to injury.
Choice B rationale
Encouraging the parents to allow the child to continue attending swimming lessons with supervision is the best response. Swimming is a low-impact exercise that can help maintain muscle strength and flexibility in children with DMD. It also provides an opportunity for socialization.
Choice C rationale
Explaining that the child is too young to understand the risks associated with swimming is not the best response. Children with DMD can participate in swimming with appropriate supervision and safety measures in place.
Choice D rationale
Providing a list of alternative activities that are less likely to cause the child to experience fatigue is not the best response. While it’s important to consider activities that are appropriate for the child’s physical abilities, it’s also important to consider the child’s interests. The child has expressed a desire to continue swimming, and with appropriate supervision, this activity can be beneficial.