Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Question 1

What does DKA stand for?

Answer 1

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Question 2

What are the three main characteristics of DKA?

Answer 2

• hyperglycaemia
• hyperketonaemia
• metabolic acidosis

Question 3

What is the primary cause of ketogenesis in DKA?

Answer 3

Inadequate insulin levels

Question 4

What process occurs when glucose and glycogen stores are depleted in DKA?

Answer 4

Liver converts fatty acids to ketones

Question 5

What is the result of extreme hyperglycaemia and ketosis in DKA?

Answer 5

Metabolic acidosis

Question 6

What causes osmotic diuresis in DKA?

Answer 6

Hyperglycaemia overwhelms kidneys, leading to glucose excretion in urine

Question 7

List two symptoms of DKA.

Answer 7

• thirst
• polyuria

Question 8

What are the signs of dehydration in a DKA patient?

Answer 8

• tachycardia
• hypotension
• reduced skin turgor
• dry mucous membranes

Question 9

What breathing pattern is characteristic of DKA?

Answer 9

Kussmaul breathing

Question 10

What can happen to potassium levels during DKA treatment?

Answer 10

Patients can quickly develop low serum K+

Question 11

True or False: Cerebral oedema is a risk in DKA.

Answer 11

True

Question 12

What are the three diagnostic criteria for DKA?

Answer 12

• hyperglycaemia (blood glucose >11)
• ketosis/ketonaemia (blood ketones >3)
• acidosis (venous pH <7.3)

Question 13

What is the first step in the management of DKA?

Answer 13

Fluid resuscitation and maintenance

Question 14

Fill in the blank: In DKA, potassium imbalance can lead to ________ and ________.

Answer 14

• severe hypokalaemia
• arrhythmias

Question 15

What is the recommended method for insulin delivery during DKA management?

Answer 15

Fixed-rate insulin infusion

Question 16

What should be closely monitored during DKA treatment?

Answer 16

• glucose
• ketones
• pH
• electrolytes