Hard

A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis has a glucose level of 480 mg/dL (26.7 mmol/L), deep rapid respirations and increasing drowsiness. Which assessment is the priority?

Correct answer: A. Assess respiratory effort and airway protection

  • A. Assess respiratory effort and airway protection
  • B. Measure the patient’s urine output
  • C. Inspect the patient’s feet for injury
  • D. Ask about the usual meal pattern

Explanation

Increasing drowsiness can reduce airway protection, while deep rapid breathing indicates severe metabolic acidosis. Airway and breathing take priority over urine assessment, foot inspection and dietary history.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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About Endocrine and Diabetes Nursing

Covers diabetes mellitus, insulin therapy, hypoglycaemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar states and common thyroid, adrenal and pituitary disorders. It includes blood glucose monitoring, diet, foot care, sick-day management and the clinical differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and between diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state.

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