A patient experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)is receiving a normal saline infusion and intravenous insulin.What additional medication should the nurse expect to be prescribed for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) involves an increase in serum potassium levels due to acidosis, insulin deficiency and dehydration, which may lead to hypokalemia. Thus, the nurse should expect an additional prescription for potassium replacement therapy. Diuretics are not typically used in the treatment of DKA, since patients with this condition are already dehydrated. Laxatives are also not prescribed for DKA. Antibiotics may be prescribed if a bacterial infection is contributing to the patient's metabolic acidosis or if the patient has evidence of sepsis. However, this information is not provided in the scenario, so it is not a necessary medication to expect in all cases of DKA.

A Patient Experiencing Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)is Receiving a Normal Saline