HESI RN Nursing Leadership and Management Exam 6 Related

Review HESI RN Nursing Leadership and Management Exam 6 related questions and content

A client is admitted to the ER with DKA. In the acute phase, the priority nursing action is to prepare to:

  • A. Administer regular insulin intravenously
  • B. Administer 5% dextrose intravenously
  • C. Correct the acidosis
  • D. Apply an electrocardiogram monitor
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Administering regular insulin intravenously is the priority nursing action in the acute phase of DKA. Insulin helps to lower blood glucose levels by promoting cellular uptake of glucose and inhibiting ketone production. Administering dextrose would be counterproductive as it can worsen hyperglycemia. Correcting acidosis is important but usually follows insulin administration. Applying an electrocardiogram monitor is not the priority action in the acute management of DKA.