HESI RN Nursing Leadership and Management Exam 5 Related

Review HESI RN Nursing Leadership and Management Exam 5 related questions and content

A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following interventions should be the nurse's priority?

  • A. Administer intravenous insulin
  • B. Start an intravenous line and infuse normal saline
  • C. Monitor serum potassium levels
  • D. Obtain an arterial blood gas (ABG)
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to start an intravenous line and infuse normal saline. In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the priority intervention is fluid resuscitation with normal saline to restore intravascular volume and improve perfusion. Administering insulin without first addressing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can lead to further complications. Monitoring serum potassium levels and obtaining an arterial blood gas (ABG) are important aspects of DKA management but come after initial fluid resuscitation.