Question

A 28-year-old ED patient with Kussmaul respirations has glucose 520 mg/dL, pH 7.12, bicarbonate 10 mEq/L, and K 3.0 mEq/L. What is the correct first intervention?

Accepted Answer

Begin IV fluids and replete potassium before starting insulin

Answer

Start insulin infusion immediately

Answer

Give sodium bicarbonate bolus first

Answer

Start D5W infusion

Answer

Administer subcutaneous insulin only

Practice question

A 28-year-old ED patient with Kussmaul respirations has glucose 520 mg/dL, pH 7.12, bicarbonate 10 mEq/L, and K 3.0 mEq/L. What is the correct first intervention?