Question

A 28-year-old with type 1 diabetes presents with Kussmaul respirations, glucose 480 mg/dL, pH 7.12, HCO₃⁻ 8 mEq/L, K⁺ 3.1 mEq/L. What is the immediate next step before insulin infusion?

Accepted Answer

Give IV potassium to raise serum K⁺ to >3.3 mEq/L

Answer

Start insulin infusion 0.1 U/kg/h immediately

Answer

Give bicarbonate routinely

Answer

Start long-acting insulin only

Answer

Restrict fluids until K⁺ normalizes

Practice question

A 28-year-old with type 1 diabetes presents with Kussmaul respirations, glucose 480 mg/dL, pH 7.12, HCO₃⁻ 8 mEq/L, K⁺ 3.1 mEq/L. What is the immediate next step before insulin infusion?