Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) : Prepared By:yazan Masaied Instructor:Abed Asakrah
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) : Prepared By:yazan Masaied Instructor:Abed Asakrah
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) : Prepared By:yazan Masaied Instructor:Abed Asakrah
(DKA)
Is a critical illness with severe hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, & fluid & electrolyte
imbalances.
• Mostly occurs in type I diabetics
Pathophysiology :
• Results from severe insulin deficiency that leads to disordered metabolism of proteins,
carbohydrates, & fats
▪ Results from excessive hepatic glucose production & high stress hormones levels (e.g.,
Cortisol & catecholamines, which further aggravate hyperglycemia by enhancing
gluconeogenesis, insulin resistance).
▪ When the blood sugar exceeds the normal , glucose begins to escape into the urine causing
glucouria to prevent extreme accumulation of glucose in blood.
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❑ Volume Depletion
• Glucoseuria contribute to volume depletion by causing osmotic diuresis.
To prevent vascular collapse & shock a variety of compensatory mechanisms are activated such
as increased in pulse rate
DKA - Causes
• The most common cause of DKA is infection, occurring in 30-50% of cases.
• Sever illness such as , stroke, MI, Pancreatitis, Alcohol abuse, trauma, drugs.
• Findings may include hyperosmolality, decreased bicarbonate (<10 mEq/L), & decreased pH
(<7.3) o Serum glucose may range from 250 mg/dL to 800 mg/dL or higher, altered level of
Sodium & Potassium, high creatinine & BUN.
•Fluid replacement
• Insulin therapy
• Bicarbonate replacement
Rapid infusion of fluids in DKA may dilute plasma proteins & which allows
fluid to leak out of the ECS & contributes to the development of pulmonary
edema or cerebral edema. Therefore, patients must be observed carefully during
the first 24 to 36 hours for signs of pulmonary or cerebral edema.
Insulin Therapy
Insulin initially should be given as an intravenous bolus of regular insulin at 0.15 U/kg
body weight followed by a continuous infusion of regular insulin at a dose of 0.1
U/kg/hour.
• When the plasma glucose reaches 250 mg/dL, the insulin infusion should be
decreased & dextrose should be added to the intravenous fluids.
Potassium and Phosphate Replacement
Bicarbonate is replaced intravenously over several hours to raise the level at least
to the 10 to 12 mEq/L range.
GI Function
The patient may need a NG tube to decompress the stomach. This increases
comfort
Patient Education - DKA
Emphasize the importance of monitoring blood glucose levels regularly.
Ensure the patient understands the purpose of each medication, its dosage, and any potential side
effects.
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