3. H+ ions released from lipolysis and
proteolysis, ketone levels rise in the blood
-> low pH level
2. Fat and protein become fuel source ->
triglycerides broken down into glycerol
and free fatty acids (lipolysis) -> liver
converts free fatty acids to ketone
bodies -> proteins broken down into
amino acids (proteolysis) -> process
continues
1. Insulin supply insufficient -> ↑ in counter
regulatory hormones (glucagon,
catecholamines, cortisol, growth hormone)
-> insulin resistance -> ↑ hepatic glucose
production -> inability of glucose to enter
cells for energy use
HYPERGLYCEMIA
DKA PATIENT WILL HAVE A
BLOOD GLUCOSE GREATER
THAN 14 mmol/L
HYPERKETONEMIA
KETONURIA
DEHYDRATION
METABOLIC ACIDOSIS
RESPIRATORY
COMPENSATION
NORMAL PANCREATIC FUNCTION IMPAIRED IN DM
Nursing
Interventions/Treatment
MAINTAIN A
OPEN AIRWAY
ESTABLISH IV ACCESS
ADMINISTER NORMAL
SALINE VIA IV ACCESS (AS
PER ORDERS)
UNTIL BLOOD
PRESSURE IS STABLE
UNTIL URINE OUTPUT
IS 30 TO 60 mL per
hour
ADMINISTER INSULIN
VIA IV (AS PER ORDERS)
dose: 0.1mg/kg/hr
ADMINSTER IV
POTASSIUM FOR
HYPOKALEMIA (AS PER
ORDERS)
REPLENISH OTHER
ELECTROLYTES IF
INDICATED (AS PER
PATIENT ORDERS)
All lead to ↑ levels of
blood glucose that
cannot be used for
energy because of
insufficient insulin
EXERCISE REGIMEN
Muscles use glucose for energy -> exercise burns
glucose -> liver releases glucose into blood stream
-> insufficient insulin supply means muscles
cannot use glucose for energy -> glucose is not
used and remains in the blood stream
PREGNANCY
Placental hormones cause insulin
resistance --> ↑ insulin requirements