A 25-year-old presents to ED with DKA: glucose 520 mg/dL, pH 7.12, K⁺ 3.0 mEq/L. Next best step before insulin infusion?...

Question

A 25-year-old presents to ED with DKA: glucose 520 mg/dL, pH 7.12, K⁺ 3.0 mEq/L. Next best step before insulin infusion?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Start insulin infusion immediately

Answer

Start bicarbonate infusion

Answer

Administer dextrose first

Answer

No fluids needed initially

us-abem MCQ (SBA): DKA-Potassium Before Insulin