The practical nurse (PN) selects the ventrolateral site to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection to an adult. Identify the Injection site.

Regular insulin is the medication of choice for treating DKA. Its main action is to lower blood glucose levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells and inhibiting the production of glucose by the liver. Therefore, checking the fingerstick blood glucose level is an important indicator of the effectiveness of the insulin treatment.
A decrease in the blood glucose level indicates that the insulin is working to lower the high blood sugar associated with DKA. This measurement helps the PN assess the response to treatment and adjust the insulin dosage if necessary.
The other actions mentioned are also important assessments in the care of a client with DKA, but they do not specifically evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin dosage:
A. Smelling the client's breath for resolution of a fruity odor is important as it indicates a decrease in ketone production, which is a marker of improving DKA. However, it does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin dosage.
B. Determining the client's orientation to time and space is part of assessing their neurological status, which is crucial in managing DKA. However, it does not specifically assess the effectiveness of the insulin dosage.
C. Measuring the client's urinary output for an increased volume is important to monitor hydration status and renal function, but it does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin dosage.

The action that the practical nurse (PN) should take in this situation is to complete an advance directive form and place it in the client's medical record. Advance directives are legal documents that outline an individual's healthcare preferences and treatment decisions in the event that they become unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves. By completing an advance directive, the client's wishes regarding life-saving measures can be documented and honored.
A. Placing a "Do Not Resuscitate" sign outside the client's door and at the bedside is not sufficient documentation of the client's wishes. While it may serve as a visual reminder to healthcare providers, it is important to have the client's preferences clearly documented in their medical records through a formal advance directive.
B. Reassuring the client that life-saving measures will not be taken without consent is important for establishing trust and communication. However, it is essential to have the client's preferences formally documented to ensure that their wishes are respected and followed.
D. Notifying the client's healthcare provider of the client's wishes is an important step, but it should be done after completing the advance directive form. The advance directive will provide clear instructions to the healthcare team regarding the client's preferences, and the healthcare provider can review and acknowledge these wishes accordingly.