Question

A patient with DKA has K⁺ 2.9 mEq/L, pH 7.18, bicarbonate 10 mEq/L, and glucose 520 mg/dL. What is the next best step?

Accepted Answer

Replete potassium before starting insulin

Answer

Start insulin infusion 0.1 units/kg/h now

Answer

Give bicarbonate infusion

Answer

Start half-normal saline

Answer

Administer 10 units IV regular insulin bolus only

Practice question

A patient with DKA has K⁺ 2.9 mEq/L, pH 7.18, bicarbonate 10 mEq/L, and glucose 520 mg/dL. What is the next best step?