A 52-year-old with type 2 diabetes presents with polyuria, abdominal pain, K⁺ 3.1 mEq/L, glucose 480 mg/dL, pH 7.18, bicarbonate 12 mEq/L, positive se...

Question

A 52-year-old with type 2 diabetes presents with polyuria, abdominal pain, K⁺ 3.1 mEq/L, glucose 480 mg/dL, pH 7.18, bicarbonate 12 mEq/L, positive serum ketones. What is the next best step before starting IV insulin?

Accepted Answer

Administer potassium to raise K⁺ >3.3 mEq/L, then start insulin

Answer

Begin insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/h immediately

Answer

Give bicarbonate because pH

Answer

Restrict fluids until potassium normalizes

Answer

Give subcutaneous insulin every 2 hours

us-abim MCQ (SBA): Diabetic Ketoacidosis

A 52-year-old with type 2 diabetes presents with polyuria, abdominal pain, K⁺ 3.1 mEq/L, glucose 480 mg/dL, pH 7.18, bicarbonate 12 mEq/L, positive serum ketones. What is the next best step before starting IV insulin?