Question

A 28-year-old with diabetic ketoacidosis (glucose 520 mg/dL, pH 7.10, serum ketones positive) has a potassium of 2.9 mEq/L. What is the best immediate next step?

Accepted Answer

Hold insulin and give IV potassium until K⁺ ≥3.3 mEq/L

Answer

Begin insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/h now

Answer

Give 1 ampule of sodium bicarbonate IV

Answer

Start insulin after a 0.1 units/kg IV bolus

Answer

Place central line and give hypertonic saline

Practice question

A 28-year-old with diabetic ketoacidosis (glucose 520 mg/dL, pH 7.10, serum ketones positive) has a potassium of 2.9 mEq/L. What is the best immediate next step?