Question

A 16-year-old boy with type 1 diabetes presents with nausea, abdominal pain, Kussmaul respirations and capillary glucose 26 mmol/L. Venous blood gas shows pH 7.12 and bicarbonate 10 mmol/L. What is the most important initial treatment after securing the airway?

Accepted Answer

Begin aggressive intravenous isotonic fluid resuscitation

Answer

Start an insulin infusion immediately without fluids

Answer

Give an intravenous bolus of insulin

Answer

Administer sodium bicarbonate routinely

Answer

Restrict fluids to avoid cerebral oedema

Practice question

A 16-year-old boy with type 1 diabetes presents with nausea, abdominal pain, Kussmaul respirations and capillary glucose 26 mmol/L. Venous blood gas shows pH 7.12 and bicarbonate 10 mmol/L. What is the most important initial treatment after securing the airway?