The nurse is implementing care for a school-age child admitted to the pediatric intensive care in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which prescribed intervention should the nurse implement first?
A) Begin 0.9% saline solution intravenously as prescribed.
B) Administer regular insulin intravenously as prescribed.
C) Place child on a cardiac monitor.
D) Place child on a pulse oximetry monitor.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All patients with DKA experience dehydration (10% of total body weight in severe ketoacidosis) because of the osmotic diuresis, accompanied by depletion of electrolytes, sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphate, and magnesium. The initial hydrating solution is 0.9% saline solution. Insulin therapy should be started after the initial rehydration bolus because serum glucose levels fall rapidly after volume expansion. The child should be placed on the cardiac and pulse oximetry monitor after the rehydrating solution has been initiated.

The Nurse Is Implementing Care for a School-Age Child Admitted