PHINMA University of Pangasinan

College of Health Sciences

Nursing Department

Name: Date:
Year/block/group: Hospital/area:
Clinical Instructor:

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is characterized by hyperglycemia, acidosis, and ketonemia. It is a life-

threatening complication of diabetes and typically seen in patients with type-1 diabetes mellitus, though it
may also occur in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus. In most cases, the trigger is new-onset diabetes, an
infection, or a lack of compliance with treatment.

To begin with, diabetic ketoacidosis is a deadly ailment that might be difficult to treat if detected late. A diabetic patient
may have DKA due to a variety of stresses, but it can also be the young population's first sign of type I diabetes mellitus. As far as I
know, diabetic ketoacidosis is not enough insulin; therefore, the body can’t allow blood sugar into the cells for energy. As a result,
blood sugar levels rise dramatically, and cells burn down protein and fat for energy, causing ketones to accumulate and cause
metabolic acidosis. From what I understand, metabolic acidosis is caused by a lack of insulin, preventing the body from allowing
blood sugar to enter cells for energy. DKA involves risk factors such as surgery-related stress, infections that will cause an increase in
blood sugar, insulin skipping, nausea and vomiting from stomach infections, and undiagnosed diabetes. This may cause serious side
effects such as electrolyte imbalances, cerebral edema (brain swelling), and even death. In treating DKA, fluid deficit correction to
improve organ perfusion is the first priority. Fluid therapy should be aimed at the correction of fluid deficits over 24–48 hours. The
fluid choice is NSS 0.9%. Kill the sugar slowly to prevent low sugar, then check the blood sugar of the patient hourly. Regular IV
insulin with potassium should be given, and you should start infusing potassium when the insulin starts. The first action is to monitor
the heart. Never push insulin since it can cause death.