Final answer:
In the case of a continuous insulin infusion for diabetic ketoacidosis, the nurse must monitor the serum blood glucose levels closely. This is crucial to manage the delicate balance in the patient's blood glucose concentration and prevent severe hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia while correcting the acidotic state.
Step-by-step explanation:
When administering a continuous insulin infusion to a client with diabetic ketoacidosis, it is essential for the nurse to monitor the serum blood glucose levels. This is prioritized because insulin infusion directly affects glucose levels in the bloodstream, requiring careful adjustments to avoid hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a dangerous condition where the absence of adequate insulin results in the body breaking down fats instead of glucose for energy, leading to the production of acidic ketone bodies and a drop in blood pH.
The blood glucose levels and ketone levels are particularly important indicators of the current state of the patient's diabetes and the effectiveness of the insulin therapy. Insulin helps to reduce the high levels of ketone bodies in the blood, but if administered inappropriately, it could lead to dangerously low glucose levels, hence the need for rigorous monitoring.