Monitor ECG --> cardiac functioning is affected
by movement of K+
Monitor vital signs for fever, hypovolemic shock,
tachycardia, and Kussmaul's breathing
Monitor blood glucose & urine output
for ketones
Monitor signs of potassium imbalance
(because of osmotic diuresis)
Monitor level of
consciousness
Assess cardiac and respiratory
status
Insulin infusion - 0.1 U/kg/hr (treatment of ketoacidosis)
administer oxygen according to
doctor's orders
ensure patent
airway
IV sodium bicarbonate to treat severe acidosis (pH <7)
Resore fluid and electrolyte balance (IV NS) (Lewis et al, 2014)
D5W infusion --> prevention of hypoglycemia
administration of IV fluids --> corrects dehydration
IV administration of rapid or short-acting insulin --> corrects
hyperglycemia & hyperketonemia
administer K + IV --> corrects hypokalemia
Etiology (Lewis et al, 2014)
DIABETES MELLITIS (DM)
Acidosis
Dehydration
Hyperglycemia
Ketonuria
Common causes (Lewis et al, 2014)
40% --> Underlying or concomitant infection
20% --> Various causes
20% --> Missed insulin
15% Newly diagnosed, unknown
Pregnancy
Placental hormones cause insulin resistance --> increase
insulin requirements
Ketones harmful to feus
Stress, infection or illness, surgery, trauma
Pancreas unable to meet insulin demands
Special Considerations
Children with Type 1 Diabetes
Presenting factor for diabetic ketoacidosis
(McFarlane, 2011)
Cerebral edema occurs in <1% of all
paediactric DKA cases (Long & Koyfman,
2017)
Children <3 years old and come from areas with low prevalence of
diabetes are at risk for moderate to severe DKA (Diabetes Canada Clinical
Practice Guidelines Expert Committee, 2018)
Management of DKA for children
Mannitol or hyperonic saline used
for treatment of cerebral edema
Fluid resuscitation is the primary goal
Fluid bolus of 10-20 mL/kg is likely safe for children
(Long & Koyfman, 2017)
It is critical to weigh the child before fluid resuscitation because
rapid rehydration can occur and leads to cerebral edema
(McFarlane, 2011)
Potassium replacement therapy and insulin
therapy (McFarlane, 2011)
Risk factors for children that increase the likelihood of DKA:
(Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert
Commitee, 2018; Oettingen, Rhodes, & Wolfsdorf, 2018;
MacArthur & Phillips 2015)
Low socioecominc status
Adolescent females
High family conflict
Ethnic minorities
Children with psychiatric disorders
Previous episodes of DKA
Poor metabolic control
Limited access to health care
Complications (Lewis et al, 2014)
Rapid administration of IV fluids + insulin --> cerebral edema
Untreated hyperglycemia
Decreased levels of sodium, potassium, chloride,
magnesium, and phosphate
Overcorrection of fluid losses
Fluid overload and pulmonary edema
Renal failure caused by hypovolemic shock
Retention of ketones and glucose
Progressive metabolic acidosis
Comatose due to dehydration, electrolyte
imbalance, and acidosis
Treating hyperglycemia causes K+ to move
rapidly into cells