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The nurse is assigned to care for a patient who presented to the emergency department with diabetic ketoacidosis. A continuous insulin intravenous infusion is started, and hourly bedside glucose monitoring is ordered. The targeted blood glucose value after the first hour of therapy is
- A. 70 to 120 mg/dL.
- B. a decrease of 25 to 50 mg/dL compared with admitting values.
- C. a decrease of 35 to 90 mg/dL compared with admitting values.
- D. less than 200 mg/dL.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: a decrease of 35 to 90 mg/dL compared with admitting values. In diabetic ketoacidosis, there is severe hyperglycemia which needs to be corrected gradually to prevent complications like cerebral edema. A rapid decrease in glucose levels can lead to osmotic shifts and neurological issues. The targeted decrease of 35 to 90 mg/dL is considered safe and effective in managing hyperglycemia in these patients. This range ensures a controlled reduction in blood glucose levels without causing harm.
Choice A (70 to 120 mg/dL) is too broad and may lead to overly aggressive treatment. Choice B (a decrease of 25 to 50 mg/dL) is too conservative and may not adequately address the high glucose levels seen in diabetic ketoacidosis. Choice D (less than 200 mg/dL) does not provide a specific target range for glucose reduction, which is essential in managing diabetic ketoacidosis effectively.
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The patient has elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels with a normal BUN/creatinine ratio. These levels most likely indicate
- A. increased nitrogen intake.
- B. acute kidney injury, such as acute tubular necrosis (ATN).
- C. hypovolemia.
- D. fluid resuscitation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The elevated BUN and serum creatinine levels with a normal BUN/creatinine ratio suggest kidney dysfunction. This pattern is commonly seen in acute kidney injury, like acute tubular necrosis (ATN), where the kidneys are unable to properly filter waste products. Other choices (A) increased nitrogen intake and (C) hypovolemia would not cause the specific pattern of elevated BUN and creatinine levels with a normal ratio. (D) Fluid resuscitation would actually aim to correct hypovolemia and would not directly affect the BUN and creatinine levels.
What psychosocial factors may potentially contribute to the development of diabetic ketoacidosis? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Altered sleep/rest patterns
- B. Eating disorder
- C. Exposure to influenza
- D. High levels of stress
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for correct answer A: Altered sleep/rest patterns can disrupt insulin regulation, leading to glucose imbalance and predisposing to diabetic ketoacidosis. Lack of sleep affects hormones that regulate blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of DKA.
Summary of why other choices are incorrect:
B: Eating disorder can affect blood sugar control but is not a direct cause of DKA.
C: Exposure to influenza may trigger stress on the body but is not a psychosocial factor contributing to DKA.
D: High levels of stress can impact blood sugar levels but are not specific psychosocial factors leading to DKA.
Which of the following patients is at the highest risk for hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome?
- A. An 18-year-old college student with type 1 diabetes who exercises excessively
- B. A 45-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes who forgets to take her insulin in the morning
- C. A 75-year-old man with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease who has recently started on insulin injections
- D. An 83-year-old, long-term care resident with type 2 diabetes and advanced Alzheimer’s disease who recently developed influenza
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the 83-year-old long-term care resident with type 2 diabetes and advanced Alzheimer's disease who recently developed influenza is at the highest risk for hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS). This patient has multiple risk factors for HHS, including age, type 2 diabetes, advanced Alzheimer's disease, and the added stress of influenza, which can exacerbate hyperglycemia. The combination of these factors can lead to severe hyperglycemia, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances characteristic of HHS.
Choice A is incorrect because although excessive exercise can lead to hypoglycemia in individuals with type 1 diabetes, it is not a risk factor for HHS. Choice B is incorrect as forgetting to take insulin can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis in type 1 diabetes, not HHS. Choice C is incorrect as starting insulin injections in a patient with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease does not automatically increase the risk
A patient is admitted to the oncology unit with a small-cell lung carcinoma. During the admission, the patient is noted to have a significant decrease in urine output accompanied by shortness of breath, edema, and mental status changes. The nurse is aware that this clinical presentation is consistent with
- A. adrenal crisis.
- B. diabetes insipidus.
- C. myxedema coma.
- D. syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). In this scenario, the patient's symptoms of decreased urine output, shortness of breath, edema, and mental status changes are indicative of fluid overload due to SIADH. SIADH causes excessive release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia. This results in edema, decreased urine output, and neurological symptoms.
A: Adrenal crisis presents with hypotension, shock, and electrolyte abnormalities, not consistent with the patient's symptoms.
B: Diabetes insipidus would present with excessive urine output and thirst, opposite of the patient's symptoms.
C: Myxedema coma results from severe hypothyroidism and presents with hypothermia, bradycardia, and altered mental status, not consistent with the patient's symptoms.
In summary, the patient's clinical presentation aligns
Which of the following are appropriate nursing interventions for the patient in myxedema coma? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Administer levothyroxine as prescribed.
- B. Encourage the intake of foods high in sodium.
- C. Initiate passive rewarming interventions.
- D. Monitor airway and respiratory effort.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
1. Administering levothyroxine is crucial in treating myxedema coma as it helps replace the deficient thyroid hormone.
2. This intervention addresses the underlying cause of myxedema coma, which is severe hypothyroidism.
3. Levothyroxine administration can help reverse the symptoms of myxedema coma and improve the patient's condition.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
- B: Encouraging high sodium intake is not appropriate as myxedema coma is associated with fluid retention and sodium may exacerbate this.
- C: Passive rewarming interventions are not relevant for myxedema coma, as the condition is not typically related to hypothermia.
- D: While monitoring airway and respiratory effort is important in general patient care, it is not a specific intervention for myxedema coma.