Question

A patient with type 1 diabetes presents with vomiting and abdominal pain. His blood glucose is 28 mmol/L and blood ketones are high. He is drowsy and tachypnoeic. What is the first step in the management of suspected diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Accepted Answer

IV insulin bolus then infusion

Answer

IV sodium bicarbonate

Answer

SC insulin injection

Answer

Fluid restriction to manage oedema risk

Answer

Immediate subcutaneous heparin

Practice question

A patient with type 1 diabetes presents with vomiting and abdominal pain. His blood glucose is 28 mmol/L and blood ketones are high. He is drowsy and tachypnoeic. What is the first step in the management of suspected diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?