Pathophysiology - DKA

Question 1

What are the two most common early signs of DKA?

Answer 1

• polydipsia (increased fluid intake)

- polyuria (increased urine output)

Question 2

What are the skin findings associated with DKA, and explain why they occur?

Answer 2

• Ill appearance
• Dry skin
• Dry mucous membranes

Due to increased fluid loss secondary to attempts by the body to excrete ketones, there is total body water loss in the patient.

Question 3

The primary responsibility of EMS in the treatment of DKA is ______.

A. administration of insulin
B. obtaining an ECG to find electrolyte imbalances that might affect the heart
C. fluid resuscitation

Answer 3

C. fluid resuscitation

Question 4

DKA is classified as a state of absolute of relative _____ deficiency.

A. carbohydrate
B. fluid
C. insulin

Answer 4

C. insulin

Question 5

What is the first step in the body’s attempt to overcome the precipitating insulin deficiency in DKA?

Answer 5

• utilization of other substrates for metabolism
  1) gluconeogenesis in the liver
  2) glycogenolysis
  3) beta-oxidation of fatty acids

Question 6

Which of the three attempts at overcoming insulin deficiency produces ketones?

A. beta-oxidation of fatty acids
B. gluconeogenesis in the liver
C. glycogenolysis

Answer 6

A. beta-oxidation of fatty acids

Both B & C produce free glucose molecules. Only beta-oxidation of fats produces ketone bodies as the fatty-acid chain is shortened by two carbons with production of the ketone bodies.

Question 7

Start on pg 4 of the article where the green squiggly is

Answer 7

ok

Question 8

“The treatment of DKA is the treatment of ______.”

Answer 8

HyperK

Volume (20 cc NS/kg)

4/5 of ways to drive K into cell are Tx of DKA