Exhibits
The nurse is caring for the client in the ED. The nurse understands that the client is at risk of developing which of the following complications? Select all that apply.
Cerebral edema
Septic shock
Cardiac arrhythmias
Renal failure
Hypotension
Respiratory alkalosis
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
A. This is a serious complication in DKA, particularly in children, where the shift in osmolality during treatment can lead to fluid shifts into the brain. It can present with neurological deterioration, headache, altered mental status, and even coma.
B. Septic shock
While infection can precipitate DKA, septic shock itself is not a direct complication of DKA. However, DKA can predispose patients to infections due to impaired immune function, dehydration, and hyperglycemia.
C. Cardiac arrhythmias
Electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia or hyperkalemia (depending on treatment phase), can predispose individuals with DKA to cardiac arrhythmias such as ventricular arrhythmias (e.g., ventricular tachycardia) or atrial fibrillation.
D. Renal failure
Acute kidney injury (AKI) can occur due to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and the direct effects of acidosis. However, with prompt and appropriate treatment, renal function typically recovers.
E. Hypotension
Dehydration and volume depletion are common in DKA due to osmotic diuresis and fluid loss. This can lead to hypovolemic shock and hypotension if not adequately managed with fluid resuscitation.
F Respiratory alkalosis
DKA is associated with metabolic acidosis, not respiratory alkalosis. The body compensates for acidosis by increasing respiratory rate (Kussmaul respirations) to blow off CO2 and normalize pH, but this does not lead to respiratory alkalosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that increases heart rate by blocking vagal tone to the heart. It is used to treat symptomatic bradycardia, including sinus bradycardia that causes hemodynamic instability
A Lidocaine is primarily used for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias, particularly in the setting of acute myocardial infarction or during cardiac arrest. Sinus bradycardia with S-T segment elevation suggests ischemia or injury to the heart muscle (myocardium) rather than ventricular arrhythmias.
B. Digoxin is a medication used to increase myocardial contractility and reduce heart rate in certain heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation or heart failure. It is not typically indicated for acute management of sinus bradycardia
D. Sotalol is a beta-blocker with class III antiarrhythmic properties. It is used primarily for the management of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, not for acute coronary syndrome or sinus bradycardia with myocardial ischemia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Edema is expected in the initial hours and days following major burns and can be particularly pronounced in full-thickness burns due to extensive tissue damage and inflammation.

A Initially, full-thickness burns may not be as painful due to nerve damage; however, surrounding areas with partial-thickness burns or areas where nerve endings are intact can be extremely painful. The absence of severe pain at the site of full-thickness burns is common initially due to nerve damage, but pain management is crucial as inflammation progresses.
B. Full-thickness burns typically involve destruction of the entire epidermis and dermis, leading to the absence of blisters. Blisters are characteristic of partial-thickness burns, where the epidermis is partially damaged but not completely destroyed.
C. Epithelialization refers to the process of new skin cells migrating and covering the wound, a process that occurs during the later stages of wound healing. In the acute phase of full-thickness burns, epithelialization does not occur because the skin layers are completely destroyed. This process starts later once the wound has been adequately debrided and begins to heal.
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