Final answer:
In Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), a nurse would expect to see laboratory findings indicative of an acidic environment, such as positive urine ketones and a higher BUN level due to dehydration. A pH of 7.43 and HCO3 of 23 are within normal ranges and not indicative of DKA; thus, a BUN of 32 is a finding consistent with this condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse caring for a patient who has Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) should expect specific laboratory findings consistent with this condition. In DKA, the body produces excess ketones as a byproduct of fat metabolism because there is insufficient insulin to process glucose, leading to an acidic environment in the bloodstream. Therefore, the expected lab findings would typically include positive urine ketones and a high BUN due to dehydration. Moreover, since DKA is characterized by acidosis, the pH would be expected to be lower than the normal range (7.35-7.45), and the bicarbonate (HCO3) level would also be lower than normal due to its consumption in buffering the excess hydrogen ions present.
Given the options provided:
- BUN of 32 is likely to be found in DKA due to dehydration and increased blood concentration.
- A pH of 7.43 is within the normal range and therefore would not typically be expected in DKA.
- HCO3 of 23 falls within the normal range, whereas in DKA it's often lower due to buffering of the acidic ketone bodies.
Therefore, the correct answer is a BUN of 32, which indicates Stage III chronic kidney disease (normal BUN levels range from 7 to 20 mg/dL).