The nurse is providing care for a client who has syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) and is critically ill. Which of the following lab findings requires immediate intervention?

Choice A Reason:

Decreasing activity is not recommended for managing peripheral venous disease. Regular physical activity, such as walking, helps improve blood circulation and can reduce symptoms. Inactivity can lead to worsening of the condition and increase the risk of complications.

Choice B Reason:

Massaging the legs frequently is not typically recommended for preventing fluid buildup in peripheral venous disease. Instead, compression therapy, such as wearing compression stockings, is more effective in managing symptoms and preventing fluid accumulation.

Choice C Reason:

Keeping the legs in a dependent position (hanging down) can worsen symptoms of peripheral venous disease. Elevating the legs above heart level helps reduce swelling and improve blood flow, which is beneficial for managing the condition.

Choice D Reason:

Inspecting the legs daily for changes in color, size, and temperature is crucial for managing peripheral venous disease. This practice helps in early detection of complications such as infections, ulcers, or worsening of the condition, allowing for timely medical intervention.

Choice A reason: Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia refers to a low level of potassium in the blood. It can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and arrhythmias, but it is not directly related to Kussmaul breathing. Hypokalemia can occur in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) due to the loss of potassium in urine, but it is not the primary cause of Kussmaul breathing. Kussmaul breathing is a deep, labored breathing pattern that occurs as a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis, not directly due to low potassium levels.

Choice B reason: Metabolic Alkalosis

Metabolic alkalosis is a condition characterized by an elevated pH in body tissues due to an excess of bicarbonate or a loss of acid. It is the opposite of metabolic acidosis. Kussmaul breathing is specifically a response to metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis. Therefore, metabolic alkalosis is not related to Kussmaul breathing.

Choice C reason: Lipolysis

Lipolysis is the metabolic process of breaking down lipids (fats) into free fatty acids and glycerol. This process is accelerated in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) due to the lack of insulin, leading to the production of ketone bodies, which contribute to metabolic acidosis. While lipolysis is a part of the pathophysiology of DKA, it is not directly related to Kussmaul breathing. Kussmaul breathing is a compensatory mechanism for the acidosis caused by the accumulation of ketone bodies.

Choice D reason: Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a hallmark of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In DKA, the lack of insulin leads to elevated blood glucose levels and the breakdown of fats into ketones, causing metabolic acidosis. Kussmaul breathing is the body’s attempt to compensate for this acidosis by increasing the rate and depth of breathing to expel more carbon dioxide, thereby reducing the acidity of the blood. Therefore, hyperglycemia is directly related to the occurrence of Kussmaul breathing in DKA.