A client with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus has a blood glucose level of 644 mg/dL (36.8 mmol/L). The nurse interprets that this client is at risk of developing which type of acid-base imbalance?
- A. Metabolic acidosis
- B. Metabolic alkalosis
- C. Respiratory acidosis
- D. Respiratory alkalosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diabetes mellitus can lead to metabolic acidosis. When the body does not have sufficient circulating insulin, the blood glucose level rises. At the same time, the cells of the body use all available glucose. The body then breaks down glycogen and fat for fuel. The by-products of fat metabolism are acidotic and can lead to the condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis. Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect.
You may also like to solve these questions
The home care nurse is making a follow-up visit to a client after receiving a renal transplant. Which assessment data support the possible existence of acute graft rejection? Select all that apply.
- A. Pale skin color
- B. Urine output of 45 mL/hour
- C. Blood pressure of 164/98 mm Hg
- D. Temperature of 102.4°F (39.1°C)
- E. Client reporting 'feeling so very tired'
- F. Client reporting that graft site is tender when touched
Correct Answer: C,D,E,F
Rationale: Acute rejection usually occurs within the first 3 months after transplant, although it can occur for up to 2 years after transplant. The client exhibits fever, hypertension, malaise, and graft tenderness. Treatment is immediately begun with corticosteroids and possibly also with monoclonal antibodies and antilymphocytic agents. None of the other options present symptomology associated with acute graft rejection.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with heart failure who has a magnesium level of 0.75 mEq/L (0.375 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Monitor the client for irregular heart rhythms.
- B. Encourage the intake of antacids with phosphate.
- C. Teach the client to avoid foods high in magnesium.
- D. Provide a diet of ground beef, eggs, and chicken breast.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The normal magnesium level ranges from 1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L (0.65 to 1.05 mmol/L); therefore, this client is experiencing hypomagnesemia. The client should be monitored for dysrhythmias because magnesium plays an important role in myocardial nerve cell impulse conduction; thus, hypomagnesemia increases the client's risk of ventricular dysrhythmias. The nurse avoids administering phosphate in the presence of hypomagnesemia because it aggravates the condition. The nurse instructs the client to consume foods high in magnesium; ground beef, eggs, and chicken breast are low in magnesium.
A child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome. The nurse expects to note documentation of which manifestation in the medical record? Select all that apply.
- A. Edema
- B. Proteinuria
- C. Hypertension
- D. Abdominal pain
- E. Increased weight
- F. Hypoalbuminemia
Correct Answer: A,B,D,E,F
Rationale: Nephrotic syndrome refers to a kidney disorder characterized by edema, proteinuria, and hypoalbuminemia. The child also experiences anorexia, fatigue, abdominal pain, respiratory infection, and increased weight. The child's blood pressure is usually normal or slightly below normal.
The nurse is teaching a pregnant client about prenatal nutritional needs. The nurse should include which information in the client's teaching plan?
- A. All mothers are at high risk for nutritional deficiencies.
- B. Calcium intake is not necessary until the third trimester.
- C. Iron supplements are not necessary unless the mother has iron deficiency anemia.
- D. The nutritional status of the mother significantly influences fetal growth and development.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Poor nutrition during pregnancy can negatively influence fetal growth and development. Although pregnancy poses some nutritional risk for the mother, not all clients are at high risk. Calcium intake is critical during the third trimester but must be increased from the onset of pregnancy. Intake of dietary iron is insufficient for the majority of pregnant women, and iron supplements are routinely prescribed.
Which conditions place the client receiving enteral nutrition at increased risk for aspiration? Select all that apply.
- A. Sedation
- B. Coughing
- C. An artificial airway
- D. Head-elevated position
- E. Nasotracheal suctioning
- F. Decreased level of consciousness
Correct Answer: A,B,C,E,F
Rationale: A serious complication associated with enteral feedings is aspiration of formula into the tracheobronchial tree. Some common conditions that increase the risk of aspiration include sedation, coughing, an artificial airway, nasotracheal suctioning, decreased level of consciousness, and lying flat. A head-elevated position does not increase the risk of aspiration.