Question

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has diabetes mellitus and is receiving regular insulin by continuous IV infusion to treat DKA. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

a. BUN 18
b. Urine output 30ml/hr
c. Serum potassium 3.0 mEq/L
d. blood glucose 180

Answer 1

The nurse should report a serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L to the provider.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should report a serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L to the provider. The normal range for serum potassium is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. A potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is below the normal range, indicating hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can be a serious complication for a client with diabetes mellitus and DKA, and it can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to notify the provider so that appropriate interventions can be implemented to address the low potassium level.