Question

a nurse is caring for a client admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis who is being treated with intravenous (iv) insulin administration. the client develops symptoms of anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal distention. bowel sounds are hypoactive. based on these symptoms, which electrolyte alteration should the nurse monitor for?

Answer 1

Based on the symptoms described, the nurse should monitor for hypokalemia. Hypokalemia refers to low levels of potassium in the blood and can result in symptoms such as anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and hypoactive bowel sounds. Since the client is receiving intravenous insulin administration, which can cause potassium to move from the extracellular fluid into the intracellular compartment, there is a risk of developing hypokalemia. Monitoring the client's potassium levels is important to identify and address any electrolyte imbalances promptly.