Question

Give IV fluids containing dextrose

(Emergency management of DKA focuses on correcting fluid and electrolyte imbalances and normalizing the serum glucose level. If the corrections occur too quickly, serious consequences, including hypoglycemia and cerebral edema, can occur. During management of DKA, when the blood glucose level falls to 250 to 300 mg/dL (14.2 to 17.1 mmol/L), the IV infusion rate is reduced and a dextrose solution is added to maintain a blood glucose level of about 250 mg/dL (14.2 mmol/L), or until the client recovers from ketosis.)

Answer 1

In DKA emergency management, IV dextrose is administered when blood glucose levels fall to 250-300 mg/dL to prevent hypoglycemia and maintain levels about 250 mg/dL. Glucose is critical for brain energy, hence careful regulation is necessary to avoid complications from extreme blood glucose level changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the emergency management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), careful monitoring of blood glucose is critical to avoid complications such as hypoglycemia and cerebral edema. Dextrose IV fluids are administered when the blood glucose level falls to approximately 250 to 300 mg/dL in order to maintain glucose levels of about 250 mg/dL and prevent these complications, while allowing the body to recover from ketosis. It's important to adjust the dextrose solution rate accordingly to maintain optimal glucose ranges as the patient recovers.

When blood glucose levels drop below the normal physiological limit, the brain—which relies solely on glucose for energy—can suffer terribly, causing symptoms like convulsions, tremors, and even death.

Normally, the glucose level in the blood should be maintained between 70 to 130 mg/dL, with a potential increase to 140 mg/dL post-meal. However, if blood glucose control is disrupted, hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia can occur. Insulin is the key enzyme that regulates these levels. When dealing with DKA treatment, clinicians must ensure that insulin administration and fluid replacement are administered in a manner that avoids the dangerous pendulum swing to hypoglycemia, particularly when blood glucose levels approach the 250 mg/dL threshold.