Question

A 44-year-old with DKA has K⁺ 2.9 mEq/L, pH 7.12, glucose 480 mg/dL. What is the next best step?

Accepted Answer

Administer IV potassium first to raise K⁺ >3.3 mEq/L, then start insulin

Answer

Start IV insulin infusion at 0.1 U/kg/h immediately

Answer

Give 1 amp D50 then start insulin

Answer

Start bicarbonate infusion until pH normalizes

Answer

Give insulin bolus 0.1 U/kg then infusion

Practice question

A 44-year-old with DKA has K⁺ 2.9 mEq/L, pH 7.12, glucose 480 mg/dL. What is the next best step?