The client is a 29-year-old with a history of type 1 diabetes from the age of 6. She controls her blood glucose with an insulin pump and uses a continuous glucose monitor.
The client was out of town, and her insulin pump was damaged.
She had forgotten her back-up long-acting insulin at home, so she took the 6-hour drive home.
By the time she arrived at home, she was having nausea and vomiting.
Her blood glucose meter read over 500 mg/dL (27.8 mmol/L). She took a dose of insulin glargine and took herself to the emergency room.
The nurse is drawing an arterial blood gas to evaluate the client post treatment.
Complete the following sentence by choosing from the lists of options.
A pH level of
The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"D"}
Choice A rationale:
A pH level of 7.35 to 7.45 and HCO3- level of 22 to 26 mEq/L indicate a resolution of ketoacidosis. The normal pH range for the body is 7.35 to 7.45, and a return to this range indicates that the body’s acid-base balance has been restored. The bicarbonate (HCO3-) level is a measure of the metabolic component of the body’s acid-base balance, and the normal range is 22 to 26 mEq/L. A return to this range indicates that the metabolic acidosis caused by the ketoacidosis has been resolved.
Choice B rationale:
A pH level of 7.25 to 7.35 and HCO3- level of 18 to 22 mEq/L would indicate that the client is still in a state of mild acidosis, as the pH is below the normal range and the bicarbonate level is also slightly low, indicating a metabolic acidosis.
Choice C rationale:
A pH level of 7.15 to 7.25 and HCO3- level of 14 to 18 mEq/L would indicate a moderate acidosis. Both the pH and bicarbonate levels are significantly below their normal ranges, indicating a significant disruption in the body’s acid-base balance.
Choice D rationale:
A pH level of 7.05 to 7.15 and HCO3- level of 10 to 14 mEq/L would indicate severe acidosis, which would be life-threatening if not corrected. Both the pH and bicarbonate levels are far below their normal ranges, indicating a severe disruption in the body’s acid-base balance. In conclusion, choice A is correct because it represents values within the normal ranges for both pH and bicarbonate, indicating a resolution of ketoacidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hyperglycemia is a key symptom of DKA. It occurs when there is an insufficient amount of insulin in the body to allow glucose to enter cells for use as energy. As a result, the body begins to break down fat for fuel, leading to the production of ketones and causing blood glucose levels to rise1. Normal blood glucose levels are between 4.0 to 6.0 mmol/L when fasting and up to 7.8 mmol/L two hours after eating2.
Choice B rationale:
Ketonuria, or the presence of ketones in the urine, is another symptom of DKA. When the body breaks down fat for energy, ketones are produced. If too many ketones build up in the blood, they can spill over into the urine1.
Choice C rationale:
Metabolic acidosis occurs in DKA due to the accumulation of ketones in the blood. Ketones are acidic, and when they build up in the blood, they cause the blood to become more acidic, leading to metabolic acidosis1.
Choice D rationale:
Hypokalemia is not a symptom of DKA. In fact, patients with DKA often have high potassium levels in their blood at presentation because acidosis causes potassium to move from inside the cells into the bloodstream1. However, during treatment for DKA, when insulin is administered and acidosis is corrected, potassium moves back into the cells and can lead to low potassium levels or hypokalemia1.
Choice E rationale:
Dehydration is a common symptom of DKA. High blood glucose levels lead to increased urination as the body tries to get rid of the excess glucose. This can result in dehydration1.
Choice F rationale:
Kussmaul respirations are a type of hyperventilation that occurs in DKA as the body tries to get rid of excess acids (ketones) through the lungs by breathing rapidly and deeply1.
Correct Answer is ["21"]
Explanation
Let’s calculate the infusion rate step by step:
- Convert 1 liter to mL: 1 liter = 1000 mL.
- Calculate total infusion time in minutes: 12 hours = 12 × 60 = 720 minutes.
- Calculate the rate in mL/min: Rate = Total Volume ÷ Total Time = 1000 mL ÷ 720 min = 1.39 mL/min.
- Calculate the drip rate in gtt/min: Drip Rate = Rate (mL/min) × Drip Factor (gtt/mL) = 1.39 mL/min × 15 gtt/mL = 20.85 gtt/min.
If rounding is required, we round to the nearest whole number. So, the nurse should regulate the infusion to 21 gtt/min.
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