Question

A 27-year-old woman presents with DKA (glucose 580 mg/dL, pH 7.05, K+ 3.0 mEq/L). After initial fluids, what is the next best step before starting insulin infusion?

Accepted Answer

Administer IV potassium to raise serum K+ above 3.3 mEq/L

Answer

Start insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/h now

Answer

Give IV sodium bicarbonate

Answer

Start dextrose 5% infusion

Answer

Begin subcutaneous basal-bolus insulin

Practice question

A 27-year-old woman presents with DKA (glucose 580 mg/dL, pH 7.05, K+ 3.0 mEq/L). After initial fluids, what is the next best step before starting insulin infusion?