sulin leads to intracellular shifts in potassium. Patients with DKA ca
Fluid resuscitation clears ketones and other
by-products o
newsvilla.org f DKA. It also restores normal IV FLUIDS
blood and corrects
electrolyte imbalances [6]. The patient’s serum
sodium lev
onnp.org els need to be checked to determine which type of fluid they need.
INSULIN
Insulin is the mainstay
therapy for DKA. It promotes cellular utilization of glucose, which immediately
decreases blood keto
panifol.com ne and glucose concentrations.
Before giving insulin to
DKA patients, however, you need to check the patient’s potassium levels because
insulin leads to intracellular shifts in potassium. Patients with DKA can have
normal or elevated blood potassium even with decreased potassium stores. This
is a result of osmotic diuresis and transcellular fluid shifts.
If blood potassium
levels are less than 3.3 mEq/L, you need to replete potassium before giving
insulin therapy.
The rate of insulin
therapy will depend on patient age, the presence of insulin sensitivity, and
the severity of DKA.
When blood glucose
concentrations fall below 250mg/dl, adding 5% dextrose will prevent
hypoglycemia. This will help continue insulin therapy until acidosis is
resolved. Use up to 20% dextrose concentration if you are unable to prevent
hypoglycemia.
ELECTROLYTES
Besides correcting
potassium imbalances, you may need to ensure the patient’s blood magnesium
concentration is over 2 mg/dl. Magnesium is a cofactor in cellular potassium
uptake, and low levels can lead to refractory hypokalemia [7].
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