Question

A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis has K⁺ 2.9 mEq/L, pH 7.12, glucose 540 mg/dL. What is the next best step?

Accepted Answer

Hold insulin and give IV potassium until K⁺ ≥3.3 mEq/L

Answer

Start insulin infusion 0.1 units/kg/h immediately

Answer

Administer IV bicarbonate for pH <7.2

Answer

Give subcutaneous rapid-acting insulin every hour

Answer

Withhold fluids to avoid cerebral edema

Practice question

A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis has K⁺ 2.9 mEq/L, pH 7.12, glucose 540 mg/dL. What is the next best step?