DKA

Question 1

What is the blood glucose lvl for a 2 hour test in a diabetic patient?

Answer 1

Greater than 200mg/dL

Question 2

How is insulin regulated?

Answer 2

Glucose passively flows to the beta cells.

KNOW THESE STEPS
Glycolysis
ATP
K+ 
Ca+
Insulin release

Question 3

Where does insulin act? How does each organ respond?

Answer 3

Liver- Inc. Glycogen synth and lipogenesis

Muscle- inc. Glycogen synth, protein synth

Adipose- inc triglyceride uptake and lipid synth.

Question 4

How does cerebral edema form in pediatric patients with DKA?

Answer 4

Blood is dehydrated (hyperosmolar) we give them fluids which lowers serum osmolarity. However, H20 flows across the blood brain barrier and causes swelling.

Question 5

Who is at high risk for DKA and cerebral edema?

Answer 5

Sicker and younger patients.

Question 6

With reguards to blood pressure and heart rate, patients with cerebral edema exhibit:

Answer 6

High BP (hypertension)
Bradycardia
(slow heart)

Slow heart comes as response to BP

Question 7

A patient in DKA comes in. His K+ levels are within normal range. Why may he be hypokalemic even though his labs are normal?

Answer 7

The acid (H+) is exchanged with K+ inside the cell, making K+ normal in the serum but low in cells.

Question 8

What are the vitals for DKA patients?

Answer 8

Elevated Heart Rate (135)
Elevated Respiratory rate (40)
Very low bicarb (5mEq)
Normal Temp, normal BP