Question

A child with type 1 diabetes mellitus is brought to the ED by the mother, who states that the child has been complaining of abdominal pain and has been lethargic. Diabetic ketoacidosis is diagnosed. Anticipating the plan of care, the nurse prepares to administer which type of IV infusion?

1. Potassium infusion
2. NPH insulin infusion
3. 5% dextrose infusion
4. Normal Saline infusion

Answer 1

In diabetic ketoacidosis, the initial treatment commonly includes a normal saline infusion to address dehydration, followed by insulin to control high blood glucose levels, and potassium may be administered if levels are low after careful monitoring.

Step-by-step explanation:

A child diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) will typically require an initial infusion of normal saline to correct the dehydration that often accompanies this condition. DKA is a severe complication of diabetes that occurs when there's a deficiency in insulin, and the body begins to break down fat at a rapid rate, producing ketones, which leads to the acidification of the blood. As the DKA treatment progresses, insulin is generally administered to reduce the high levels of glucose in the blood. Additionally, if electrolyte monitoring indicates potassium levels are low, a potassium infusion may be necessary, but only after careful assessment as insulin administration itself will help shift potassium back into cells.