Diabetic Ketoacidosis: DKA Pathophysiology and Nursing Interventions (Step-By-Step)
Hey friend! Let’s break down diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) super SIMPLE for you.
I’m going to walk you through, STEP BY STEP, the pathophysiology of dka and the nursing interventions and treatment, so you can FINALLY understand it for nursing school! 🙂
I also have a FREE DKA STUDY GUIDE for you here: https://nursingsos.lpages.co/38754297750529192432928/
What is diabetic ketoacidosis?
Diabetic ketoacidosis, in a nutshell, happens when the body can’t use glucose for energy, and so it breaks down fat instead. And this leads to acids (ketones) being produced, which can lead to acidosis.
Diabetic ketoacidosis pathophysiology:
Here’s a quick outline of the pathophysiology of dka, in simple steps for you to follow (you won’t find these steps in your textbook, I put it together this way to make learning it easier for you!):
Step 1: There isn’t enough insulin because the body can’t produce it (like what happens during Type 1 Diabetes)
Step 2: Hyperglycemia occurs because there’s no insulin to move glucose into the cells, so it just stays in the blood.
Step 3: The cells use fat for energy instead of glucose
Step 4: Ketones are produced because of that fat breakdown. And ketones are ACIDS!
Step 5: Metabolic acidosis occurs because of all the acid build up in the blood.
Diabetic ketoacidosis treatment and nursing interventions:
There are 3 main nursing interventions for dka: fluids, insulin, and of course, continuing to assess your patient!
The fluids you give to your patient will depend on their particular situation and what the doctor has ordered, but they may include normal saline, Lactated Ringers, 0.45% NaCl, or D5 1/2NS
Nursing assessment for DKA:
There are several key nursing assessments you’ll need to to for a patient with DKA, which may include: monitoring their intake and output, weight checks, assessing respiratory status, assessing their IV site and fluids, drawing labs, and assessing their mental status.
Make sure to get your FREE DKA STUDY GUIDE here: https://nursingsos.lpages.co/38754297750529192432928/
And your FREE ASSESSMENT TRANSCRIPT here:
https://nursingsos.lpages.co/assessment-transcript/
**Some of these are affiliate links, and I will receive a small commission if you choose to purchase a product through one of these links. Thanks for your support of our channel!**
—
J O I N T H E C O M M U N I T Y
—
F R E E A S S E S S M E N T T R A N S C R I P T:
https://nursingsos.lpages.co/assessment-transcript/
—
R E L A T E D V I D E O S
Easy breakdown of DKA lab values: https://nursingschoolofsuccess.com/episode83/
Insulin and potassium relationship: https://nursingschoolofsuccess.com/episode86/
DKA pathophysiology (step-by-step): https://nursingschoolofsuccess.com/episode18/
—
S U B S C R I B E
http://bit.ly/nursingsossubscribe
—
F O L L O W
BLOG | https://nursingschoolofsuccess.com/blog
INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/nursingsos/
FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/nursingschoolofsuccess/
—
LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
These videos are intended for entertainment purposes only. Although we strive for 100% accuracy in all of our videos, errors may occur. Never treat a patient or make a nursing or medical decision based on the information provided on this channel or in our videos. Never practice nursing or medicine unless you have a proper license to do so.