Successful management with patients presenting to the emergency department with DKA begins with the restoration of the circulatory volume, treatment of insulin insufficiency and decelerating the production of ketone, and resolution of the electrolyte disturbances. Early nursing activities, include managing the airway if compromised, as intubation and ventilation support may be needed at the very beginning; weighing the patient and obtaining the body surface area; determining the degree of hydration and the level of consciousness; securing intravenous access with two catheters; obtaining blood for essential blood tests like venous blood gas, glucose, electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, blood culture, full blood count; obtaining urine for urinalysis; and putting patient on cardiac monitor for T wave abnormalities suggestive of hypokalemia or hyperkalemia, and preparing for chest xray (Association of British Clinical Diabetologists, 2010; De Beer et al, 2008; Fogel & Zimmerman, 2009). How do you deal with patients presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis?
Posted on: Fri, 26 Jul 2013 01:18:19 +0000
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