Which manifestation would the nurse include when teaching a client about ketoacidosis?

17)An emergency department nurse assesses a client with ketoacidosis. Which clinicalmanifestation should the nurse correlate with this condition?a. Increased rate and depth of respirationb.Extremity tremors followed by seizure activityc. Oral temperature of 102 F (38.9 C)d.Severe orthostatic hypotensionANS: AKetoacidosis decreases the pH of the blood, stimulating the respiratory control areas ofthe brain to buffer the effects of increasing acidosis. The rate and depth of respirationare increased (Kussmaul respirations) in an attempt to excrete more acids byexhalation. Tremors, elevated temperature, and orthostatic hypotension are notassociated with ketoacidosis.

18)A nurse assesses a client who has diabetes mellitus. Which arterial blood gasvalues should the nurse identify as potential ketoacidosis in this client?

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Which manifestation would the nurse include when teaching a client about ketoacidosis?

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d.pH 7.32, HCO3 22 mEq/L, PCO2 58 mm Hg, PO2 88 mm HgANS: BWhen the lungs can no longer offset acidosis, the pH decreases to below normal. Aclient who has diabetic ketoacidosis would present with arterial blood gas values thatshow primary metabolic acidosis with decreased bicarbonate levels and acompensatory respiratory alkalosis with decreased carbon dioxide levels19)A nurse cares for a client experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis who presents withKussmaul respirations. Which action should the nurse take?

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20)A nurse teaches a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which statement should thenurse include in this clients teaching to decrease the clients insulin needs?

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Restricting fluids and eating organ meats will not reduce insulin needs. People withdiabetes need at least 130 grams of carbohydrates each day.

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Nursing, Blood sugar, ketoacidosis

Overview

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes.

The condition develops when the body can't produce enough insulin. Insulin plays a key role in helping sugar — a major source of energy for muscles and other tissues — enter cells in the body.

Without enough insulin, the body begins to break down fat as fuel. This causes a buildup of acids in the bloodstream called ketones. If it's left untreated, the buildup can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis.

If you have diabetes or you're at risk of diabetes, learn the warning signs of diabetic ketoacidosis and when to seek emergency care.

Symptoms

Diabetic ketoacidosis symptoms often come on quickly, sometimes within 24 hours. For some, these symptoms may be the first sign of having diabetes. Symptoms might include:

  • Being very thirsty
  • Urinating often
  • Feeling a need to throw up and throwing up
  • Having stomach pain
  • Being weak or tired
  • Being short of breath
  • Having fruity-scented breath
  • Being confused

More-certain signs of diabetic ketoacidosis — which can show up in home blood and urine test kits — include:

  • High blood sugar level
  • High ketone levels in urine

When to see a doctor

If you feel ill or stressed or you've had a recent illness or injury, check your blood sugar level often. You might also try a urine ketone test kit you can get at a drugstore.

Contact your health care provider right away if:

  • You're throwing up and can't keep down food or liquid
  • Your blood sugar level is higher than your target range and doesn't respond to home treatment
  • Your urine ketone level is moderate or high

Seek emergency care if:

  • Your blood sugar level is higher than 300 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 16.7 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) for more than one test.
  • You have ketones in your urine and can't reach your health care provider for advice.
  • You have many symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis. These include excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, fruity-scented breath, and confusion.

Remember, untreated diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to death.

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Causes

Sugar is a main source of energy for the cells that make up muscles and other tissues. Insulin helps sugar enter the cells in the body.

Without enough insulin, the body can't use sugar to make the energy it needs. This causes the release of hormones that break down fat for the body to use as fuel. This also produces acids known as ketones. Ketones build up in the blood and eventually spill over into the urine.

Diabetic ketoacidosis usually happens after:

  • An illness. An infection or other illness can cause the body to make higher levels of certain hormones, such as adrenaline or cortisol. These hormones work against the effects of insulin and sometimes cause diabetic ketoacidosis. Pneumonia and urinary tract infections are common illnesses that can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis.
  • A problem with insulin therapy. Missed insulin treatments can leave too little insulin in the body. Not enough insulin therapy or an insulin pump that doesn't work right also can leave too little insulin in the body. Any of these problems can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis.

Other things that can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis include:

  • Physical or emotional trauma
  • Heart attack or stroke
  • Pancreatitis
  • Pregnancy
  • Alcohol or drug misuse, particularly cocaine
  • Certain medicines, such as corticosteroids and some diuretics

Risk factors

The risk of diabetic ketoacidosis is highest if you:

  • Have type 1 diabetes
  • Often miss insulin doses

Sometimes, diabetic ketoacidosis can occur with type 2 diabetes. In some cases, diabetic ketoacidosis may be the first sign of having diabetes.

Complications

Diabetic ketoacidosis is treated with fluids, electrolytes — such as sodium, potassium and chloride — and insulin. Perhaps surprisingly, the most common complications of diabetic ketoacidosis are related to this lifesaving treatment.

Possible complications of the treatments

Treatment complications include:

  • Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia. Insulin allows sugar to enter cells. This causes the blood sugar level to drop. If the blood sugar level drops too quickly, the drop can lead to low blood sugar.
  • Low potassium, also known as hypokalemia. The fluids and insulin used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis can cause the potassium level to drop too low. A low potassium level can affect the heart, muscles and nerves. To avoid this, potassium and other minerals are usually given with fluid replacement as part of the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
  • Swelling in the brain, also known as cerebral edema. Adjusting the blood sugar level too quickly can cause the brain to swell. This appears to be more common in children, especially those with newly diagnosed diabetes.

Untreated, diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to loss of consciousness and, eventually, death.

Prevention

There are many ways to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis and other diabetes complications.

  • Manage your diabetes. Make healthy eating and physical activity part of your daily routine. Take diabetes medicines or insulin as directed.
  • Monitor your blood sugar level. You might need to check and record your blood sugar level at least 3 to 4 times a day, or more often if you're ill or stressed. Careful monitoring is the only way to make sure that your blood sugar level stays within your target range.
  • Adjust your insulin dosage as needed. Talk to your health care provider or diabetes educator about how to make your insulin dosage work for you. Consider factors such as your blood sugar level, what you eat, how active you are, and whether you're ill. If your blood sugar level begins to rise, follow your diabetes treatment plan to return your blood sugar level to your target range.
  • Check your ketone level. When you're ill or stressed, test your urine for excess ketones with a urine ketones test kit. You can buy test kits at a drugstore. If your ketone level is moderate or high, contact your health care provider right away or seek emergency care. If you have low levels of ketones, you may need to take more insulin.
  • Be prepared to act quickly. If you think you have diabetic ketoacidosis because your blood sugar is high and you have too many ketones in your urine, seek emergency care.

Diabetes complications are scary. But don't let fear keep you from taking good care of yourself. Follow your diabetes treatment plan carefully. Ask your diabetes treatment team for help when you need it.

Oct. 06, 2022

Which of the following is a manifestation of diabetic ketoacidosis?

You have many symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis. These include excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, fruity-scented breath, and confusion.

What manifestations are supportive of the diagnosis of ketoacidosis?

Diabetes-related ketoacidosis (DKA) is a complication of diabetes that requires immediate treatment. If you experience symptoms such as frequent urination, extreme thirst, high blood sugar, ketones in your urine or blood and vomiting, call your healthcare provider immediately.

What are the 3 P's in diabetic ketoacidosis?

The three Ps of DKA: Polydipsia—thirst. Polyuria—urination. Polyphagia—appetite.

What is the priority in diabetic ketoacidosis patient?

The initial priority in the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis is the restoration of extra-cellular fluid volume through the intravenous administration of a normal saline (0.9 percent sodium chloride) solution.