The parents of a one-year-old child with the diagnosis of hypospadias informed the practical nurse (PN) that they plan to delay corrective surgery to see if the child will outgrow the problem. Which information should the PN provide to these parents?

Choice A rationale:

The client being the oldest of their siblings is not a contributing factor related to the development of conduct disorder. Family dynamics such as birth order may have some influence on personality traits, but they are not a primary factor in the development of conduct disorder.

Choice B rationale:

The fact that the client's father lives in the client's home is a family dynamic, but it does not necessarily contribute to the development of conduct disorder. Other factors related to parenting style, communication, and family interactions play a more significant role in the development of conduct disorder.

Choice C rationale:

The client's mother having asthma is a medical condition and not a family dynamic that directly contributes to the development of conduct disorder. Conduct disorder is more closely associated with social, environmental, and psychological factors.

Choice D rationale:

The presence of several siblings in the family dynamic can contribute to the development of conduct disorder. Increased family size can lead to competition for attention and resources, which may affect the child's behavior and interactions. Sibling relationships and family dynamics are crucial in shaping a child's behavior and psychological well-being.

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.