Pathophysiology · practice question

A 73-year-old client on a telemetry unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to hypoxia and impaired gas exchange. Assessment data include blood glucose 420 mg/dL with acetone breath and Kussmaul respirations. Which finding requires the nurse to intervene immediately?

Multiple choiceMediumnclex-rn-bsnnclex-validatednclex-2026pathophysiology

A stable, long-standing finding that matches the expected care plan.Routine data unchanged from the prior assessment.The new finding that blood glucose 420 mg/dL with acetone breath and Kussmaul respirations.A comfort request with unchanged vital signs and no new symptoms.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer

C. The new finding that blood glucose 420 mg/dL with acetone breath and Kussmaul respirations.

Why

Follow-up items test whether the nurse recognizes cues that are new, acute, or inconsistent with stability and need prompt nursing action.

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A 73-year-old client on a telemetry unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to hypoxia and impaired gas exchange. Assessment data include blood glucose 420 mg/dL with acetone breath and Kussmaul respirations. Which finding requires the nurse to intervene immediately?

Correct answer

Why

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