A 22-year-old patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus arrives…
A 22-year-old patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus arrives at the emergency department with severe dehydration, Kussmaul respirations, fruity breath odor, and altered mental status. The patient’s parent reports that the patient has had excessive thirst and frequent urination for the past two days. After reviewing the patient’s vital signs and lab results which of the following is an appropriate next action by the nurse? Vital Signs Temperature 100.8F Heart rate 124 bpm Blood Pressure 90/58 mmHg Respiratory Rate 32 breaths/min Oxygen saturation 98% on room air Lab Test Result Reference Range Na 150 mEq/L 135-145 mEq/L K 3.0 mEq/L 3.5-5.0 mEq/L BUN 35 mg/dL 7-20 mg/dL Cr 1.8 mg/dL 0.6-1.2 mg/dL Serum Glucose 600 mg/dL 70-100 mg/dL (fasting) pH (Arterial) 7.12 7.35-7.45 CO2 (Arterial) 28 mmHg 35-45 mmHg HCO3- (Arterial) 10 mEq/L 22-26 mEq/L