A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted with hyperglycemia. Which laboratory result requires the most immediate intervention?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serum potassium of 2.8 mEq/L. Hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, especially in diabetic patients with hyperglycemia. Immediate intervention is needed to prevent cardiac complications. A: Serum glucose of 350 mg/dL is high but not immediately life-threatening. C: Serum sodium of 136 mEq/L is within normal range and does not require immediate intervention. D: Serum bicarbonate of 20 mEq/L is slightly low but does not pose an immediate risk to the patient's life.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: LDL of 200 mg/dL. Elevated LDL levels are a major risk factor for CAD and require immediate intervention. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is used to lower LDL levels. High LDL contributes to plaque buildup in arteries. A: Total cholesterol of 180 mg/dL is within the normal range and doesn't require immediate intervention. C: Triglycerides of 150 mg/dL are also within the normal range and don't pose an immediate risk. D: HDL of 40 mg/dL is considered low, but it is not as critical as high LDL levels in the context of CAD.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Trim your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. Rationale: 1. Trimming toenails straight across helps prevent ingrown nails. 2. Ingrown nails can lead to infection, especially risky for diabetics due to poor wound healing. 3. Walking barefoot toughens feet, increasing risk of injury. 4. Soaking in hot water can cause burns or skin damage. 5. Using a heating pad can lead to burns or decreased sensation in feet, increasing injury risk. Summary: Option C is correct as it directly addresses a common issue in diabetic foot care - ingrown toenails. Options A, B, and D pose risks of injury or damage to the feet, which is detrimental for diabetic individuals.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Monitor your blood pressure regularly." This instruction is crucial for a client with hypertension prescribed hydrochlorothiazide because the medication helps lower blood pressure. By monitoring their blood pressure regularly, the client can track the effectiveness of the medication and ensure it is within the target range. This allows for early detection of any potential issues or the need for medication adjustments. Option A is incorrect because while it is generally recommended to take hydrochlorothiazide in the morning, it is not the most critical instruction for this scenario. Option B is incorrect as hydrochlorothiazide can cause hypokalemia, so avoiding high potassium foods is not necessary. Option D is also important but not as crucial as monitoring blood pressure, as reducing high-sodium foods can help manage hypertension but is not specific to hydrochlorothiazide.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Improved hemoglobin levels. Epoetin alfa is a medication used to treat anemia in patients with chronic renal failure by stimulating red blood cell production. Improved hemoglobin levels indicate that the medication is effective in addressing the anemia associated with renal failure. Increased urine output (A) is not a direct outcome of epoetin alfa therapy. Decreased blood pressure (B) and stable potassium levels (D) are not specific indicators of the medication's effectiveness in treating anemia.