Electrolytes
Will the patient typically be hyperkalemic, normokalemic, or hypokalemic
Hyperkalemic or normokalemic
Dont forget! All the K is extracellular so they may be masking hypokalemia!
What are the respirations called when fast, deep, irregular breathing?
Kussmaul respirations
Dehydration! Give fluids
Will this patient have a low or high anion gap?
High!
How is cerebral edema caused in DKA
Treating symptoms too aggressively, and too quickly.
Causes rapid shift from extracellular to intracellular, leads to brain swelling
Are these patients metabolic acidosis or respiratory acidosis?
Do we treat with ventilation or bicarb?
Metabolic acidosis!
Bicarb!
What are the receptors called that allow glucose to move into the cell
GLUT- 4
What causes polyuria and polydipsia?
High blood sugars causes osmotic diuresis, body becomes dehydrated from loss of urine, causes patient to become thirsty
How often should we be checking BG and labs?
BG hourly minimum
Labs q2-3 hrs