What is the pathophysiology of diabetic ketoacidosis?

Insulin deficiency, increased insulin counter-regulatory hormones (cortisol, glucagon, growth hormone, and catecholamines) and peripheral insulin resistance lead to hyperglycemia, dehydration, ketosis, and electrolyte imbalance which underlie the pathophysiology of DKA.

How do you explain diabetic ketoacidosis?

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening problem that affects people with diabetes. It occurs when the body starts breaking down fat at a rate that is much too fast. The liver processes the fat into a fuel called ketones, which causes the blood to become acidic.

What is diabetic ketoacidosis nursing?

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes (Joint British Diabetes Societies, 2013). It is a complex disordered metabolic state characterised by hyperglycaemia (elevated blood glucose), acidosis (pH imbalance) and ketonaemia (excess ketones in the blood).

What is DKA for dummies?

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe diabetic complication that has to be managed in a hospital. It’s characterized by high blood glucose (though it need not be very high) associated with an acid condition of the blood due to the production of ketones, which are the products of fat breakdown.

What organs are affected by ketoacidosis?

Fluid loss from DKA can lead to kidney and organ damage, brain swelling that can eventually cause a coma, and fluid buildup in your lungs.

What is the most common cause of ketoacidosis?

The most common causes of DKA are: missing an insulin injection or not injecting enough insulin. illness or infection. a clog in one’s insulin pump (for people who are using one)

How does the body compensate for diabetic ketoacidosis?

So the compensatory mechanism invoked by DKA is increased respiration. The deep and rapid sighing respiration, called Kussmaul’s respiration, in patients suffering DKA provides clinical evidence of this compensatory mechanism.

How do you treat diabetic ketoacidosis?

Treatment usually involves:

1. Fluid replacement. You’ll receive fluids — either by mouth or through a vein — until you’re rehydrated.
2. Electrolyte replacement. Electrolytes are minerals in your blood that carry an electric charge, such as sodium, potassium and chloride.
3. Insulin therapy.

What should a nurse do for DKA?

Nursing Management

1. Monitor vitals.
2. Check blood sugars and treat with insulin as ordered.
3. Start two large-bore IVs.
4. Administer fluids as recommended.
5. Check electrolytes as potassium levels will drop with insulin treatment.
6. Check renal function.
7. Assess mental status.
8. Look for signs of infection (a common cause of DKA)

What is the fastest way to get rid of ketones?

If you detect ketones in your blood or urine, general treatment guidelines include drinking plenty of water or other calorie-free fluids to help flush ketones out of the body, taking insulin to bring your blood glucose level down, and rechecking both your blood glucose level and ketone level every three to four hours.

How long does it take to recover from diabetic ketoacidosis?

Once you’re safely admitted to the hospital for DKA, recovery is usually complete in one to three days.

Why is potassium given in diabetic ketoacidosis?

After insulin treatment is initiated, potassium shifts intracellularly and serum levels decline. Replacement of potassium in intravenous fluids is the standard of care in treatment of DKA to prevent the potential consequences of hypokalemia including cardiac arrhythmias and respiratory failure.

How does diabetes cause ketoacidosis?

Diabetic ketoacidosis is complication of diabetes caused when the body uses stored body fat instead of glucose (sugar) as a source of fuel. Ketones are the by-products of this breakdown of fat, and they build up in the body. This results in diabetic ketoacidosis.

What are symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis?

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes. Early symptoms include a dry mouth, increased urination, and high blood sugar levels, and later symptoms include fatigue, vomiting, confusion, difficulty breathing and a sweet, fruity odor on the breath.

What do you need to know about diabetic ketoacidosis?

Diabetic ketoacidosis (Diabetic ketoacidosis A complication of diabetes that results from increased levels of ketones in the blood. ) is a life-threatening condition caused by dangerously high blood sugar levels. Your blood sugar levels become high because your body does not have enough insulin. Insulin helps move sugar out of the blood so it can be used for energy. The lack of insulin forces your body to use fat instead of sugar for energy.

How do you check for diabetic ketoacidosis?

Upon arrival at the hospital, a doctor may perform a variety of tests to determine whether you’re suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis or another condition. These include a blood sugar test, a blood test of electrolytes and kidney function, and a blood test to look for acid in the blood.