Question

A 28-year-old with DKA has K⁺ 3.0 mEq/L, glucose 520 mg/dL, pH 7.08. What is the next best step before starting insulin?

Accepted Answer

Administer 40 mEq potassium and delay insulin until K⁺ ≥3.3 mEq/L

Answer

Start insulin infusion 0.1 units/kg/hour immediately

Answer

Give sodium bicarbonate infusion

Answer

Start subcutaneous rapid-acting insulin every hour

Answer

Give insulin bolus 0.1 units/kg then infusion

Practice question

A 28-year-old with DKA has K⁺ 3.0 mEq/L, glucose 520 mg/dL, pH 7.08. What is the next best step before starting insulin?