Overview
Introduction
A person with diabetes may arrive profoundly acidotic while the glucose meter shows only 10 mmol/L.
NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN
A person with diabetes may arrive profoundly acidotic while the glucose meter shows only 10 mmol/L. That pattern is particularly dangerous after an SGLT2 inhibitor, during pregnancy, or after insulin was given before arrival: a reassuring glucose does not exclude diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is an acute insulin-deficiency state in which counter-regulatory hormones drive ketone production and hyperglycemia. The resulting osmotic diuresis removes water and electrolytes, while the serum potassium may conceal a major total-body deficit. The nurse therefore watches three linked threats at once: impaired perfusion, falling potassium during insulin therapy, and worsening acidosis or neurological status.
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Question 1 of 5
A patient with DKA has: glucose 520, pH 7.18, HCO3 8, K+ 5.6. What is the priority intervention?
Question 2 of 5
When should the nurse add dextrose to IV fluids during DKA treatment?
Question 3 of 5
Which electrolyte must be closely monitored during DKA treatment and may need replacement before insulin?
Question 4 of 5
Kussmaul respirations in DKA represent:
Question 5 of 5
What is the target rate of blood glucose reduction during DKA treatment?
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