Question

"A child with type 1 diabetes develops diabetic ketoacidosis and receives a continuous insulin infusion. Which condition represents the greatest risk to this child?"

Answer 1

Hypokalemia

Step-by-step explanation:

Hypokalemia is the name given to the low amount of potassium present in the bloodstream. Potassium is a fundamental electrolyte for the proper functioning of nerve cells and muscles, especially cardiac muscle cells.

Hypokalemia can have several causes. The most common cause is excessive loss of potassium in the urine caused by the use of diuretic medications. Vomiting and diarrhea can also lead to low amount of potassium in the blood from the digestive tract. However, patients with type 1 diabetes who receive constant infusion of insula may have this disease, as insulin causes potassium to escape from the cell.