A diabetic patient has not taken insulin in several days and has an extremely high blood sugar. What electrolyte would the health care professional assess as the priority?
A)Potassium
B)Calcium
C)Sodium
D)Chloride

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Insulin facilitates the intracellular transport of potassium, phosphate, and magnesium. Without insulin, potassium does not get transported to the intracellular environment and the serum potassium will rise. The health care professional would assess the patient's potassium level as the priority.

A Diabetic Patient Has Not Taken Insulin in Several Days