A 28-year-old with DKA has K⁺ 2.9 mEq/L, pH 7.18, bicarbonate 10 mEq/L, and glucose 540 mg/dL. What is the next best step?...

Question

A 28-year-old with DKA has K⁺ 2.9 mEq/L, pH 7.18, bicarbonate 10 mEq/L, and glucose 540 mg/dL. What is the next best step?

Accepted Answer

Give IV potassium replacement before starting insulin

Answer

Start insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/h immediately

Answer

Give IV sodium bicarbonate

Answer

Start subcutaneous rapid-acting insulin

Answer

Give only IV fluids; defer others for 6 hours

us-abem MCQ (SBA): DKA