Question

A 44-year-old with suspected DKA: glucose 520 mg/dL, anion gap 24, serum ketones positive, K⁺ 3.1 mEq/L, BP 110/70. Which immediate step is correct before starting insulin infusion?

Accepted Answer

Correct hypokalemia to K⁺ ≥3.3 mEq/L with IV potassium while initiating fluids, then start insulin

Answer

Begin insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/h immediately

Answer

Give sodium bicarbonate IV

Answer

Hold fluids to avoid cerebral edema

Answer

Administer long-acting insulin only

Practice question

A 44-year-old with suspected DKA: glucose 520 mg/dL, anion gap 24, serum ketones positive, K⁺ 3.1 mEq/L, BP 110/70. Which immediate step is correct before starting insulin infusion?