Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has DKA. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client's condition is improving?

A. Potassium 3.5
B. pH 7.28
C. Glucose 272
D. HCO_3 14

Answer 1

In the context of DKA, a nurse should look for specific findings to indicate improvement. The client's condition is improving if their potassium level is 3.5 mg/100 mL, as this level tends to increase during DKA.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should look for which finding indicates that the client's condition is improving, in the context of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

In DKA, the blood pH is lower than normal due to the presence of ketone bodies, resulting in acidosis. A normal pH range is between 7.35-7.45, so a pH of 7.28 suggests acidity and indicates that the client's condition is not improving.

A blood glucose level of 272 mg/dL is still high, as normal blood glucose levels are around 70-130 mg/dL. So, this finding does not indicate improvement.

The normal levels of serum potassium range from 14-20 mg/100 mL. A potassium level of 3.5 mg/100 mL is below the normal range, indicating improvement, as potassium levels tend to increase during DKA.

HCO3 (bicarbonate) is a measure of the blood's ability to buffer acid. A normal bicarbonate level is 22-29 mM. A level of 14 mM is below the normal range, suggesting acidosis and indicating that the condition is not improving.

Therefore, the finding that indicates improvement in the client's condition is a potassium level of 3.5 mg/100 mL.