Question

A 45-year-old presents with DKA: glucose 480 mg/dL, pH 7.12, bicarbonate 10 mEq/L, K⁺ 3.0 mEq/L. After initial fluids, what is the next best step?

Accepted Answer

Replete potassium until K⁺ ≥3.3 mEq/L before starting insulin infusion

Answer

Begin insulin infusion 0.1 U/kg/h immediately

Answer

Give sodium bicarbonate for pH 7.12

Answer

Start dextrose 5% infusion now

Answer

Administer long-acting insulin only

Practice question

A 45-year-old presents with DKA: glucose 480 mg/dL, pH 7.12, bicarbonate 10 mEq/L, K⁺ 3.0 mEq/L. After initial fluids, what is the next best step?