DKA Flashcards
1
Q
What is DKA?
A
a severe life threatening condition in diabetics. caused by a lack of insulin in the body.
2
Q
how does DKA occur?
A
when the body is unable to use the glucose because there its enough insulin it breaks down fat as an alternative energy source. this create a potentially harmful chemical ketones.
3
Q
list signs and symptoms of DKA
A
- Flushed skin
- dehydration
- tachycardia
- tachypnoea
- ketone odour on breath
4
Q
Diagnosis of DKA
A
a Ph below7.3 or sodium bicarb below 13mmol/L
BM is usually high but not always
5
Q
what Ph is considered severe DKA?
A
7.1
6
Q
DKA treatment
A
an emergency situation ABCDE assessment IV fluids insulin infusion 1 hour post IV fluids close cardiac monitoring
