Leadership Nursing Practice Questions Related

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A 54-year-old patient is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis. Which admission order should the nurse implement first?

  • A. Infuse 1 liter of normal saline per hour.
  • B. Give sodium bicarbonate 50 mEq IV push.
  • C. Administer regular insulin 10 U by IV push.
  • D. Start a regular insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/hr.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the priority in treating diabetic ketoacidosis is fluid resuscitation to address dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Infusing 1 liter of normal saline per hour helps to restore intravascular volume and corrects electrolyte abnormalities. Choice B (sodium bicarbonate) is not recommended routinely in DKA treatment as it may worsen metabolic acidosis. Choice C (IV push insulin) can lead to hypoglycemia and should not be the initial intervention. Choice D (insulin infusion) is important but should be started after fluid resuscitation to avoid rapid drops in blood glucose levels.