Diabetes Mellitus in Children
Diabetes Mellitus in Children ( 31 Questions)
A nurse is preparing an education session for staff nurses about the treatment and management of DKA in children.
Which of the following points should be included in the session? (Select all that apply).
Fluid resuscitation with 0.9% saline is indeed a crucial part of the initial management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA often results in severe dehydration due to excessive urination and can lead to a state of shock. The administration of normal saline helps to rehydrate the patient and restore adequate blood volume.
Electrolyte imbalances, especially hypokalemia, are common in DKA. When a person has DKA, there is a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes through excessive urination. This loss can lead to low potassium levels, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, monitoring and correcting electrolyte imbalances, including potassium, is essential in the treatment of DKA.
Insulin therapy is crucial in the treatment of DKA. This choice is incorrect because insulin helps to reverse the metabolic processes that lead to ketone formation and hyperglycemia in DKA. By administering insulin, the body can utilize glucose for energy, reduce blood glucose levels, and stop the production of ketones.
Monitoring blood glucose and electrolyte levels is essential during the treatment of DKA. Frequent monitoring allows healthcare providers to assess the effectiveness of treatment, make necessary adjustments, and ensure the patient's safety. It helps in tracking the response to insulin therapy and The correction of electrolyte imbalances.
Choice A rationale:
Fluid resuscitation with 0.9% saline is indeed a crucial part of the initial management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
DKA often results in severe dehydration due to excessive urination and can lead to a state of shock.
The administration of normal saline helps to rehydrate the patient and restore adequate blood volume.
Choice B rationale:
Electrolyte imbalances, especially hypokalemia, are common in DKA.
When a person has DKA, there is a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes through excessive urination.
This loss can lead to low potassium levels, which can be life-threatening.
Therefore, monitoring and correcting electrolyte imbalances, including potassium, is essential in the treatment of DKA.
Choice C rationale:
Insulin therapy is crucial in the treatment of DKA.
This choice is incorrect because insulin helps to reverse the metabolic processes that lead to ketone formation and hyperglycemia in DKA.
By administering insulin, the body can utilize glucose for energy, reduce blood glucose levels, and stop the production of ketones.
Choice D rationale:
Monitoring blood glucose and electrolyte levels is essential during the treatment of DKA.
Frequent monitoring allows healthcare providers to assess the effectiveness of treatment, make necessary adjustments, and ensure the patient's safety.
It helps in tracking the response to insulin therapy and The correction of electrolyte imbalances.
Choice E rationale:
Children with DKA are indeed at risk for complications.
This choice is incorrect because DKA can lead to a range of complications, including cerebral edema, which is more common in children.
Cerebral edema is a severe and potentially life-threatening complication that highlights the importance of vigilant management and monitoring in pediatric DKA cases.