Final answer:
In the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, the nurse should administer regular insulin, which is essential for reducing blood glucose levels and halting the production of ketones by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse caring for a client who has diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) should plan to administer regular insulin. DKA is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when the body starts breaking down fat at an excessively fast rate, producing ketone bodies, which leads to the acidification of the blood. Insulin is essential in the treatment of DKA as it helps to reduce blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, thus halting the production of ketones and correcting the acidosis.
Metformin, Lisinopril, and Atorvastatin are not used in the immediate management of DKA. Metformin is typically prescribed for type 2 diabetes and is not effective in the acute setting of DKA. Lisinopril is used for hypertension and nephropathy while Atorvastatin is used for managing cholesterol levels. These are not appropriate for managing acute hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis.
On the other hand, insulin injections are routinely employed in the management of DKA to correct hyperglycemia and stop ketoacidosis. This is because, in DKA, despite high levels of glucose in the blood, cells are unable to utilize it due to insulin deficiency, leading to the release of fatty acids and overproduction of ketones. Insulin therapy is crucial for reversing this metabolic disturbance.