Question

A 24-year-old with DKA has K⁺ 3.0 mEq/L, glucose 496 mg/dL, pH 7.12. What is the correct immediate insulin/electrolyte management?

Accepted Answer

Start IV insulin at 0.14 units/kg/h without bolus and ignore K⁺

Answer

Start IV insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/h now

Answer

Hold insulin; replete potassium until K⁺ ≥3.3 mEq/L, then start insulin

Answer

Give subcutaneous insulin only and discharge if improving

Answer

Start bicarbonate infusion routinely

Practice question

A 24-year-old with DKA has K⁺ 3.0 mEq/L, glucose 496 mg/dL, pH 7.12. What is the correct immediate insulin/electrolyte management?