A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetic ketoacidosis secondary to an infection. Which of the following prescriptions is the highest priority?
Obtain blood for culture and sensitivity.
Initiate IV infusion of regular insulin.
Initiate 0.9% sodium chloride 1,000 mL IV at 500 mL/hr.
Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Obtain blood for culture and sensitivity: While identifying the infection is important for treatment, it does not address the immediate metabolic crisis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This action is essential but secondary to stabilizing the client's current condition.
B) Initiate IV infusion of regular insulin: Administering insulin is critical in the management of DKA, as it helps to reduce blood glucose levels and halt the production of ketones, which are responsible for the acidosis. This intervention is vital for quickly correcting the metabolic derangement and stabilizing the patient.
C) Initiate 0.9% sodium chloride 1,000 mL IV at 500 mL/hr: While fluid replacement is important in the management of DKA to address dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, it is still not as immediately life-saving as starting insulin therapy. Fluid resuscitation typically follows the administration of insulin.
D) Insert an indwelling urinary catheter: This may be necessary for monitoring urine output and assessing kidney function, but it is not a priority intervention when addressing the acute complications of DKA. Insulin administration takes precedence in the immediate management plan.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Spironolactone: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic often used in heart failure and hypertension management. It is not indicated for allergic reactions or hives and does not address the symptoms caused by IV contrast dye.
B) Metoclopramide: Metoclopramide is an antiemetic medication used to treat nausea and vomiting. It is not effective for treating allergic reactions or urticaria, so this option is not appropriate in this context.
C) Diphenhydramine: Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is commonly used to treat allergic reactions, including hives and urticaria. Administering diphenhydramine will help alleviate the symptoms related to the adverse reaction to the IV contrast dye, making it the most appropriate medication to administer in this situation.
D) Desmopressin: Desmopressin is used to treat conditions such as diabetes insipidus and certain bleeding disorders. It has no role in treating allergic reactions or hives, making it an inappropriate choice for this scenario.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "I will store prefilled syringes in the refrigerator with the needle pointed downward.": While prefilled syringes should be stored in the refrigerator, they should actually be stored with the needle pointing upward. This prevents the insulin from settling at the needle end and ensures that the insulin is readily available for injection. This statement reflects a misunderstanding of proper storage techniques.
B) "I will shake the NPH vial vigorously before drawing up the insulin.": NPH insulin should be gently rolled between the palms rather than shaken vigorously. Shaking can cause air bubbles and damage the insulin. This statement indicates a lack of understanding of the proper technique for preparing NPH insulin.
C) "I will insert the needle at a 15-degree angle.": The correct angle for injecting insulin is typically 90 degrees (or 45 degrees for thin clients), not 15 degrees. This statement shows a misunderstanding of proper injection technique.
D) "I will draw up the regular insulin into the syringe first.": This statement indicates an understanding of the proper technique for mixing insulins. When using both regular and NPH insulins, the regular insulin should always be drawn up first to prevent contamination of the short-acting insulin with the longer-acting insulin. This response reflects correct knowledge regarding insulin administration.