A nurse is caring for four teenagers with diabetic ketoacidosis. ...

[rl]

A nurse is caring for four teenagers with diabetic ketoacidosis. Which patient should the nurse see first?
 
  A.
  pH: 7.22
  B.
  Potassium: 7.2 mEq/L
  C.
  Sodium: 128 mEq/L
  D.
  White blood cell count: 17,250 mm3

Question 2

Which long-term goal is most appropriate for the adolescent diabetic patient?
 
  A.
  Appropriate food items chosen for meals
  B.
  Glucose within target range 90 of the time
  C.
  No evidence of long-term complications
  D.
  Takes medications correctly and on time

[cascooper22]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
This potassium is critically high and can lead to fatal dysrhythmias. The nurse should see this patient first. All of the other children have abnormal laboratory values too, but this takes priority.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The most appropriate long-term goal is that the teen is free from complications, some of which can be devastating. Choosing appropriate foods, blood glucose readings, and taking medications are good goals too, but are too specific for an overall long-term goal.

[rl]

Excellent

[chereeb]

TYSM