A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis has glucose 620 mg/dL, pH 7.10, bicarbonate 9 mEq/L, anion gap 24. After 1 L isotonic crystalloid, potassium is 3...

Question

A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis has glucose 620 mg/dL, pH 7.10, bicarbonate 9 mEq/L, anion gap 24. After 1 L isotonic crystalloid, potassium is 3.1 mEq/L. What is the next step before initiating insulin infusion?

Accepted Answer

Administer IV potassium to raise serum potassium above 3.3 mEq/L, then start insulin

Answer

Start insulin infusion at 0.14 units/kg/hour immediately

Answer

Give 50 mEq sodium bicarbonate IV

Answer

Begin subcutaneous insulin glargine 0.3 units/kg

Answer

Start dextrose infusion now to prevent hypoglycemia

us-abim MCQ (SBA): Diabetic Ketoacidosis

A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis has glucose 620 mg/dL, pH 7.10, bicarbonate 9 mEq/L, anion gap 24. After 1 L isotonic crystalloid, potassium is 3.1 mEq/L. What is the next step before initiating insulin infusion?