Question

A 15-year-old adolescent who has type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit in ketoacidosis with a blood glucose level of 170 mg/dl (9. 4 mmol/l). The adolescent has a history of fluctuating blood glucose readings and difficulty adhering to the therapeutic regimen. A continuous insulin infusion is started. What adverse reaction to the infusion is most important for the nurse to monitor?

Answer 1

Hypokalemia

Step-by-step explanation:

After insulin treatment is initiated, potassium shifts intracellularly and serum levels decline. Replacement of potassium in intravenous fluids is the standard of care in treatment of DKA to prevent the potential consequences of hypokalemia including cardiac arrhythmias and respiratory failure.