DKA
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Endocrinehigh priorityneeds review
DKA
Also testable as: Diabetic ketoacidosis
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Insulin deficiency plus stress, infection, missed insulin, or new diabetes.
- Cells cannot use glucose, fat breakdown creates ketones, causing metabolic acidosis and dehydration.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Insulins | IV insulin after fluid and potassium assessment per protocol. |
Nursing actions
- Assess airway/breathing, dehydration, Kussmaul respirations, and mental status.
- Expect fluids, potassium monitoring, and insulin protocol.
- Monitor potassium because insulin shifts K into cells.
Complications
- Cerebral edema
- Hypokalemia during treatment
- Shock
- Dysrhythmias
NCLEX cues
- Fruity breath, Kussmaul respirations, ketones, acidosis.
- Check potassium before insulin infusion.
Memory hooks
- DKA: dry, ketotic, acidotic.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Glucose
- Ketones
- Anion gap
- Potassium
- ABG/VBG
Review notes
- Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.