4 Diabetic Ketoacidosis Free Online FlashCards

What causes diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

DKA is an acute emergency caused by insufficient insulin, which leads to ketone production and metabolic acidosis.

Which symptoms can accompany DKA?

Vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, and deep rapid breathing can accompany DKA.

What should the initial assessment of suspected DKA include?

Assess airway, breathing, circulation, vital signs, mental status, and hydration; urgently obtain glucose, electrolytes, ketones, and acid–base studies.

What possible DKA triggers should clinicians look for?

Assess for possible precipitating causes, including infection or missed insulin.

Why can insulin be dangerous when potassium is low?

Insulin shifts potassium into cells and can worsen hypokalemia, increasing the risk of dangerous arrhythmias and muscle weakness.

What is the role of fluids early in DKA treatment?

Restoring circulating volume is a key early priority. Fluid type and rate should be individualized, with caution for people with heart or kidney disease.

What should be monitored frequently during DKA treatment?

Frequently reassess vital signs, fluid balance, glucose, and electrolytes during treatment.

How should the transition from IV to subcutaneous insulin be timed?

Give basal insulin before stopping the IV infusion; the recommended overlap is 1–2 hours to reduce rebound hyperglycemia or recurrent ketosis.

What three findings establish adult DKA?

Adult DKA requires all three: diabetes or glucose $\geq 200$ mg/dL, significant ketones preferably blood \(\beta-hydroxybutyrate $\geq 3.0$ mmol/L), and acidosis pH \(<7.3 or bicarbonate $<18$ mmol/L).

When can DKA occur with glucose below $200$ mg/dL?

DKA can occur with glucose below $200$ mg/dL, especially with reduced food intake, pregnancy, or SGLT2-inhibitor use. Near-normal glucose does not rule it out.

What if glucose falls before ketoacidosis resolves?

If glucose falls below about $250$ mg/dL while ketones and acidosis remain elevated, add dextrose-containing IV fluid as indicated and continue insulin to clear ketones, with ongoing monitoring.

Which laboratory findings support DKA resolution?

Resolution is supported by blood $\beta$-hydroxybutyrate $<0.6$ mmol/L and resolved acidosis: pH $\geq 7.3$ or bicarbonate $\geq 18$ mmol/L. Glucose alone is not enough.