The Assessment Patient Process
The Assessment Patient Process ( 6 Questions)
A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who has diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Which finding should alert the nurse to a potential complication of DKA?
This is an expected finding for a client who has DKA, as insulin deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and glycosuria. The goal of treatment for DKA is to lower blood glucose levels gradually to prevent cerebral edema.
A serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia, which is a potential complication of DKA due to insulin deficiency, acidosis, and dehydration. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, muscle weakness, and paresthesia.
This is an expected finding for a client who has DKA, as insulin deficiency leads to increased breakdown of fatty acids and production of ketones, resulting in metabolic acidosis. The normal range for arterial blood pH is 7.35 to 7.45.
This is an expected finding for a client who has DKA, as metabolic acidosis causes a decrease in serum bicarbonate levels due to buffering mechanisms. The normal range for serum bicarbonate levels is 22 to 26 mEq/L.
Serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L
Rationale: A serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia, which is a potential complication of DKA due to insulin deficiency, acidosis, and dehydration. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, muscle weakness, and paresthesia.
Incorrect options:
A) Blood glucose level of 350 mg/dL - This is an expected finding for a client who has DKA, as insulin deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and glycosuria. The goal of treatment for DKA is to lower blood glucose levels gradually to prevent cerebral edema.
C) Arterial blood pH of 7.25 - This is an expected finding for a client who has DKA, as insulin deficiency leads to increased breakdown of fatty acids and production of ketones, resulting in metabolic acidosis. The normal range for arterial blood pH is 7.35 to 7.45.
D) Serum bicarbonate level of 18 mEq/L - This is an expected finding for a client who has DKA, as metabolic acidosis causes a decrease in serum bicarbonate levels due to buffering mechanisms. The normal range for serum bicarbonate levels is 22 to 26 mEq/L.