what are the early signs of diabetic ketoacidosis

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023

1. What are the early signs of diabetic ketoacidosis?

A. Excessive thirst and fruity breath odor
B. Weight loss and increased urination
C. Nausea and vomiting
D. Hypoglycemia and fatigue

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Excessive thirst and fruity breath odor. Diabetic ketoacidosis presents with these early signs due to ketone buildup in the body. Choice B, weight loss and increased urination, are more characteristic of uncontrolled diabetes but not specific to diabetic ketoacidosis. Choice C, nausea and vomiting, can occur in diabetic ketoacidosis but are not as early or specific as excessive thirst and fruity breath odor. Choice D, hypoglycemia and fatigue, are not typical signs of diabetic ketoacidosis; rather, diabetic ketoacidosis usually presents with hyperglycemia.

2. Which nursing intervention is essential for a client diagnosed with heart failure?

A. Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration
B. Monitor the client's weight daily to assess fluid balance
C. Increase sodium intake to prevent fluid retention
D. Limit fluid intake to avoid overload

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client's weight daily to assess fluid balance in clients with heart failure. This intervention helps healthcare providers evaluate fluid retention or loss, which is crucial in managing heart failure. Choice A is incorrect because excessive fluid intake can worsen heart failure symptoms by causing fluid overload. Choice C is incorrect because increasing sodium intake can lead to fluid retention, exacerbating heart failure. Choice D is incorrect as limiting fluid intake excessively can also be harmful in heart failure management, potentially leading to dehydration.

3. What should a healthcare professional do when a client with anorexia nervosa insists on working out constantly?

A. Allow the client to workout and continue their regimen
B. Restrict the client's workout regimen to one hour a day
C. Discuss the risks of over-exercising with the client
D. Speak to the client privately to uncover the source of the obsession

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When dealing with a client with anorexia nervosa who insists on working out constantly, it is crucial to address the situation sensitively. Speaking to the client privately to uncover the source of the obsession is the most appropriate action. This approach allows the healthcare professional to understand the underlying reasons for the behavior and work towards a solution together. Choices A and B could potentially exacerbate the client's condition by either enabling the behavior or imposing restrictions without addressing the root cause. While choice C is important, simply discussing the risks may not address the client's compulsion to exercise excessively.

4. A client is postoperative following a hip replacement. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis?

A. Encourage the client to bend at the waist
B. Maintain the client in a high-Fowler's position
C. Place a pillow between the client's legs
D. Avoid placing a pillow under the client's knees

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing a pillow between the client's legs is beneficial after hip replacement surgery to maintain proper alignment and prevent dislocation of the prosthesis. This position helps keep the hip in a neutral position, reducing the risk of dislocation. Encouraging the client to bend at the waist (Choice A) can increase the risk of hip dislocation. Maintaining the client in a high-Fowler's position (Choice B) and avoiding placing a pillow under the client's knees (Choice D) do not directly address the need to maintain proper alignment of the hip joint to prevent dislocation.

5. How should a healthcare provider manage a patient with hypertensive crisis?

A. Administer antihypertensive medications and monitor blood pressure
B. Provide a high-sodium diet and fluid restriction
C. Administer diuretics and provide oxygen therapy
D. Provide IV fluids and monitor for kidney failure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a hypertensive crisis, the immediate goal is to lower blood pressure to prevent organ damage. Administering antihypertensive medications helps achieve this goal efficiently. Monitoring blood pressure is essential to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and adjust medication as needed. Providing a high-sodium diet and fluid restriction (Choice B) can exacerbate hypertension by increasing blood pressure. Diuretics and oxygen therapy (Choice C) are not the first-line treatment for hypertensive crisis, as the priority is rapid blood pressure reduction. Providing IV fluids and monitoring for kidney failure (Choice D) are not primary interventions for managing hypertensive crisis; the focus is on blood pressure control and organ protection.