Diabetic Ketoacidosis — UKMLA MCQ

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HardEndocrinologyDiabetic KetoacidosisUKMLA MRCP Part 1 PSA

After initial assessment and fluid resuscitation, an adult with DKA has potassium 4.7 mmol/L. Which insulin regimen is appropriate?

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Correct answer: A — Start fixed-rate insulin and continue basal insulin

Adult DKA is treated with fixed-rate intravenous insulin after initial assessment, while the person’s usual basal long-acting insulin is continued. This suppresses ketogenesis and helps transition after resolution; correction-bolus or glucose-led strategies are unsuitable.

Reference: JBDS-IP: Adult DKA single-page pathway: https://abcd.care/sites/default/files/site_uploads/JBDS_Guidelines_Current/JBDS_02_Single_page_pathway_March_2023.pdf