Question about DKA

Nurses General Nursing

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Ok so I'm doing this case study about DKA..I have a question;why is the potassium replacement given to the DKA patient--is it because the patient loses the potassium in urine due to polyuria,also is the Regular insulin IV mixed with potassium fluid in the same bag and given to the patient? Thanks

That is why it's best to read up. Good links and your good 'ol physiology reference. Managing DKA is about leveling out the seesawing of fluids, potassium, insulin, glucose...

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When the body is in DKA there is a shift of potassium from the intracellular to the extracellular space in an exchange with hydrogen ions that accumulate extracellularly in acidosis. A large part of the shifted extracellular potassium is lost in urine because of osmotic diuresis.

If you want to drive biology majors crazy, never utilise the term hydrogen ion. Say hydronium instead.

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Specializes in home & public health, med-surg, hospice.

Check it out the attached documents; am happy to share. Easy to understand format.

Diabetic ketoacidosi_teaching.doc

dka pretest.doc

DKA Test.doc

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