NCLEX RN Practice Question # 618

NCLEX Examination.

Practice Question # 618.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

Description

• Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus that develops when a severe insulin deficiency occurs.
• Themain clinical manifestations include hyperglycemia, dehydration, ketosis, and acidosis.

 Assessment

Interventions

• Restore circulating blood volume and protect against cerebral, coronary, and renal hypoperfusion.
• Treat dehydration with rapid IV infusions of 0.9% or 0.45% normal saline (NS) as prescribed; dextrose is added to IV fluids (D5NS, or 5% dextrose in 0.45% saline) when the blood glucose level reaches 250 to 300 mg/dL.
• Treat hyperglycemia with regular insulin administered intravenously as prescribed.
• Correct electrolyte imbalances (potassium level may be elevated as a result of dehydration and acidosis).
• Monitor potassium level closely becausewhen the client receives treatment for the dehydration and acidosis, the serum potassium level will decrease and potassium replacement may be required.