While changing a client's postoperative dressing, the nurse observes purulent drainage at the site.
Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should note which of the client's laboratory values?

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 rise. 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.

Choice A rationale:

Decreasing expiratory flow time is not the appropriate intervention in this case. The client's pH and PaCO2 levels suggest respiratory acidosis, which indicates inadequate ventilation. Increasing expiratory flow time might exacerbate the acidosis by reducing ventilation.

Choice C rationale:

Increasing the rate of ventilation (respiratory rate) is a potential intervention to improve the client's acid-base balance. However, it should be done cautiously and under medical supervision to avoid respiratory alkalosis. It is not the first-line intervention in this scenario.

Choice D rationale:

Increasing the ventilator tidal volume may help improve ventilation, but it should also be done under medical guidance to prevent barotrauma. It is not the initial intervention to address the client's respiratory acidosis.