A 23-year-old with type 1 diabetes presents with DKA: glucose 520 mg/dL, pH 7.10, bicarbonate 10 mEq/L, K⁺ 3.0 mEq/L. After starting isotonic fluids, ...

Question

A 23-year-old with type 1 diabetes presents with DKA: glucose 520 mg/dL, pH 7.10, bicarbonate 10 mEq/L, K⁺ 3.0 mEq/L. After starting isotonic fluids, what is the next best step?

Accepted Answer

Replete potassium to >=3.3 mEq/L before starting insulin

Answer

Start IV insulin infusion 0.1 U/kg/h now

Answer

Begin bicarbonate infusion

Answer

Begin insulin once glucose

Answer

Start dextrose infusion immediately

us-abfm MCQ (SBA): Diabetic Ketoacidosis

A 23-year-old with type 1 diabetes presents with DKA: glucose 520 mg/dL, pH 7.10, bicarbonate 10 mEq/L, K⁺ 3.0 mEq/L. After starting isotonic fluids, what is the next best step?