A client is brought to the emergency department semicomatose and a blood glucose reading of 673. He is diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Blood gas results are as follows:

Question

serum pH 7.29 and HCO3– level 19 mEq/dL; PCO2 level 32 mm Hg. The nurse should anticipate that which of the following orders may correct this diabetic ketosis?
A) Administration of potassium chloride
B) Initiating an insulin IV infusion along with fluid replacement
C) Administering supplemental oxygen and rebreathing from a paper bag
D) Instituting a cough and deep breathing schedule for every hour while awake to improve ventilation

Answer 1

Ans: B
Feedback:
The treatment of metabolic acidosis focuses on correcting the condition that is causing the disorder and restoring the fluids and electrolytes that have been lost from the body. For example, insulin administration and fluid replacement are frequently sufficient to correct a low pH in persons with diabetic ketosis. Administration of potassium chloride is used as a treatment of metabolic alkalosis. Administering supplemental oxygen and rebreathing from a paper bag are usual treatment of respiratory alkalosis. Instituting a cough and deep breathing schedule for every hour while awake to improve ventilation is usual treatment of respiratory acidosis.