When educating a patient newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the nurse explains that increased thirst is an early sign of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). What action should the nurse advise the patient to take if this sign of DKA appears?

H.

Choice A rationale

While albuterol can cause an increase in heart rate due to its beta-agonist effects, it is not the primary assessment following administration. The main goal of albuterol treatment is to improve respiratory function.

Choice B rationale

Breath sounds are a primary assessment following albuterol administration. Albuterol is a bronchodilator and should improve breath sounds by reducing bronchospasm and increasing airflow.

Choice C rationale

Serum sodium levels are not directly affected by albuterol and therefore are not a primary assessment following its administration.

Choice D rationale

A complete blood count is not directly affected by albuterol and therefore is not a primary assessment following its administration.

Choice E rationale

Oxygen saturation is a primary assessment following albuterol administration. Albuterol should improve oxygen saturation by increasing airflow and oxygen delivery.

Choice F rationale

Peak inspiratory flow is not typically assessed after albuterol administration. Albuterol primarily affects expiratory flow by reducing bronchospasm.

Choice G rationale

Temperature is not directly affected by albuterol and therefore is not a primary assessment following its administration.

Choice H rationale

Peak expiratory flow is a primary assessment following albuterol administration. Albuterol is a bronchodilator and should improve peak expiratory flow by reducing bronchospasm.

Choice A rationale

The patient’s history of asthma, previous hospitalizations for asthma-related symptoms, and the current presentation of difficulty breathing and wheezing suggest that she is likely experiencing an asthma exacerbation related to environmental factors. Asthma is a chronic condition that can cause symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, which the patient is currently experiencing. Environmental factors such as allergens, air pollution, and changes in weather can trigger asthma symptoms.

Choice B rationale

While smoking is a major risk factor for COPD, the patient denies smoking. Additionally, COPD is more common in older adults, and the patient is only 22 years old. Therefore, it is less likely that her symptoms are due to COPD.

Choice C rationale

Pneumonia is typically associated with additional symptoms such as fever, cough with phlegm, and chest pain. The patient’s symptoms do not align with a typical presentation of pneumonia.

Choice D rationale

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that typically presents with a chronic cough, weight loss, and night sweats. The patient’s symptoms do not align with a typical presentation of tuberculosis.