A 27-year-old with DKA has serum K⁺ 3.1 mEq/L, pH 7.12, bicarbonate 10 mEq/L, and glucose 540 mg/dL. What is the best immediate step?...

Question

A 27-year-old with DKA has serum K⁺ 3.1 mEq/L, pH 7.12, bicarbonate 10 mEq/L, and glucose 540 mg/dL. What is the best immediate step?

Accepted Answer

Give IV potassium to raise K⁺ to ≥3.3 mEq/L before starting insulin

Answer

Start insulin infusion at 0.1 U/kg/h now

Answer

Give sodium bicarbonate push

Answer

Begin dextrose infusion immediately

Answer

Start basal insulin glargine only

us-abim MCQ (SBA): DKA