The nurse is administering Kayexalate to a client. The nurse explains that this medication will:

Choice A reason: A 68-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes who has peripheral neuropathy and complains of burning foot pain is not the most urgent patient to assess. Peripheral neuropathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the nerves, especially in the feet and legs. It can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning, or pain. The nurse should assess the patient's foot condition, provide pain relief, and educate the patient on foot care. However, this patient is not in immediate danger, and can wait until the nurse finishes assessing the more critical patient.

Choice B reason: A 35-year-old patient with type 1 diabetes whose most recent blood glucose reading was 230 mg/dL is not the most critical patient to assess. Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the pancreas does not produce any insulin, a hormone that helps the cells use glucose for energy. Patients with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin injections or use an insulin pump to control their blood glucose level. A blood glucose reading of 230 mg/dL is above the normal range of 70 to 130 mg/dL before meals, and indicates hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). The nurse should check the patient's insulin dose, monitor the patient's symptoms, and provide education on blood glucose management. However, this patient is not in life-threatening condition, and can wait until the nurse attends to the more serious patient.

Choice C reason: A 60-year-old patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome with dry oral mucosa and low urine output is the most important patient to assess. Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS) is a severe complication of diabetes that occurs when the blood glucose level is extremely high, usually above 600 mg/dL. HHS can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and coma. Dry oral mucosa and low urine output are signs of dehydration, which can lead to shock and organ failure. The nurse should assess the patient's vital signs, blood glucose level, fluid and electrolyte status, and neurological function. The nurse should also administer intravenous fluids, insulin, and electrolytes as prescribed by the health care provider. This patient is in a medical emergency, and needs immediate intervention.

Choice D reason: A 19-year-old patient with type 1 diabetes who was admitted with possible dawn phenomenon is not the most acute patient to assess. Dawn phenomenon is a condition where the blood glucose level rises in the early morning, usually between 2:00 AM and 8:00 AM. This is due to the release of hormones that increase the blood glucose level, such as growth hormone, cortisol, and glucagon. The nurse should review the patient's blood glucose records, adjust the insulin dose or timing, and provide education on how to prevent or manage the dawn phenomenon. However, this patient is not in a critical situation, and can wait until the nurse evaluates the more unstable patient.

Choice A reason: Weight loss is a common clinical manifestation of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a condition where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, a hormone that helps the cells use glucose for energy. Without insulin, the glucose stays in the blood and causes high blood sugar levels. The body then breaks down fat and muscle for energy, resulting in weight loss.

Choice B reason: Low urine output is not a typical clinical manifestation of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children. In fact, the opposite is true: high urine output is a sign of type 1 diabetes mellitus. This is because the excess glucose in the blood draws water from the cells and tissues, causing dehydration and increased thirst. The kidneys then try to flush out the glucose and water through urine, leading to frequent urination.

Choice C reason: Weight gain is not a usual clinical manifestation of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children. As explained in choice A, type 1 diabetes mellitus causes weight loss due to the lack of insulin and the breakdown of fat and muscle. Weight gain can be a sign of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is a condition where the cells become resistant to insulin and the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to overcome the resistance. Weight gain can also be a side effect of insulin therapy, which is used to treat both types of diabetes mellitus.

Choice D reason: Hand tremors are not a specific clinical manifestation of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children. Hand tremors can be caused by many factors, such as anxiety, stress, caffeine, medication, or neurological disorders. Hand tremors can also be a symptom of hypoglycemia, which is a condition of low blood sugar that can occur in people with diabetes mellitus. However, hypoglycemia is not exclusive to diabetes mellitus, and can affect anyone who has a low intake of food, a high expenditure of energy, or a high dose of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents.