Galen College of Nursing NUR 265 Exam 2
(with greater emphasis on endocrine/diabetes, immune disorders, infection,
oncology, and complex metabolism)
1. A client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has a blood glucose of 520 mg/dL, pH of 7.18,
and deep, rapid respirations. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate first?
A. Administer IV isotonic fluids as prescribed
B. Give oral glucose
C. Restrict fluids
D. Administer long-acting insulin only
Answer: A
Rationale: Initial DKA management generally includes aggressive isotonic fluid
replacement, followed by insulin and electrolyte management as indicated.
2. Which finding is most characteristic of diabetic ketoacidosis?
A. Severe hyperglycemia with metabolic acidosis
B. Severe hypoglycemia without acidosis
C. Normal blood glucose with respiratory alkalosis
D. Low serum ketones
Answer: A
Rationale: DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia, ketosis, and metabolic acidosis.
3. A client with DKA is receiving IV insulin. Which laboratory value requires particularly
close monitoring?
A. Potassium
B. Hemoglobin
C. Platelet count
D. Calcium only
Answer: A
Rationale: Insulin drives potassium into cells, potentially causing hypokalemia. Potassium
must be monitored closely during DKA treatment.
4. A client with diabetes becomes sweaty, shaky, confused, and weak. Which condition
should the nurse suspect?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Hypoglycemia
(with greater emphasis on endocrine/diabetes, immune disorders, infection,
oncology, and complex metabolism)
1. A client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has a blood glucose of 520 mg/dL, pH of 7.18,
and deep, rapid respirations. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate first?
A. Administer IV isotonic fluids as prescribed
B. Give oral glucose
C. Restrict fluids
D. Administer long-acting insulin only
Answer: A
Rationale: Initial DKA management generally includes aggressive isotonic fluid
replacement, followed by insulin and electrolyte management as indicated.
2. Which finding is most characteristic of diabetic ketoacidosis?
A. Severe hyperglycemia with metabolic acidosis
B. Severe hypoglycemia without acidosis
C. Normal blood glucose with respiratory alkalosis
D. Low serum ketones
Answer: A
Rationale: DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia, ketosis, and metabolic acidosis.
3. A client with DKA is receiving IV insulin. Which laboratory value requires particularly
close monitoring?
A. Potassium
B. Hemoglobin
C. Platelet count
D. Calcium only
Answer: A
Rationale: Insulin drives potassium into cells, potentially causing hypokalemia. Potassium
must be monitored closely during DKA treatment.
4. A client with diabetes becomes sweaty, shaky, confused, and weak. Which condition
should the nurse suspect?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Hypoglycemia
