Author Question: The nurse admits a patient to the emergency department and recognizes the patient is in diabetic ... (Read 27 times)

piesebel · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse admits a patient to the emergency department and recognizes the patient is in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) when what manifestations are assessed? (Select all that apply.)

A) Fruity breath
B) Edema
C) Dehydration
D) Agitation
E) slow and deep respirations

Question 2

When would it be appropriate for the nurse to administer castor oil as a laxative?

A) To ease the passage of stool in the patient who recently had a baby
B) To remove ingested poisons from the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract
C) To evacuate the bowel for diagnostic procedures
D) To treat chronic constipation

rnehls · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A, C, E
Feedback:
Signs of impending dangerous complications of hyperglycemia such as DKA include the following: fruity breath as the ketones build up in the system and are excreted through the lungs; dehydration as fluid and important electrolytes are lost through the kidneys; slow and deep respirations (Kussmaul's respirations) as the body tries to rid itself of high acid levels; loss of orientation and coma rather than agitation are to be expected. Edema is not a sign of DKA.

Answer to Question 2

C
Feedback:
Indications include evacuating the bowel for diagnostic procedures and for short-term treatment of constipation. Castor oil is not indicated to remove ingested poisons nor to ease the passage of stool after having a baby. This drug should only be used on a short-term basis and is not for the treatment of chronic constipation because repeated use will cause GI tract exhaustion.