A 27-year-old with DKA: glucose 520 mg/dL, pH 7.10, bicarbonate 8 mEq/L, K⁺ 3.1 mEq/L. What is the next best step before starting insulin infusion?...

Question

A 27-year-old with DKA: glucose 520 mg/dL, pH 7.10, bicarbonate 8 mEq/L, K⁺ 3.1 mEq/L. What is the next best step before starting insulin infusion?

Accepted Answer

Administer 40 mEq KCl in IV fluids until K⁺ >3.3 mEq/L, then start insulin

Answer

Begin insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/h immediately

Answer

Give 10 units IV insulin bolus then start infusion

Answer

Start sodium bicarbonate infusion until pH >7.20

Answer

Give subcutaneous rapid-acting insulin every hour

Diabetic Ketoacidosis — SCE Endocrinology MCQ