What is the recommended action for patients presenting with symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis?

What is the recommended action for patients presenting with symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis?

• A. Provide oral glucose tablets
• B. Delay treatment until lab results are available
• C. Immediate medical attention and treatment
• D. Encourage them to drink water

Answer: (C)

Patients presenting with symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) require immediate medical attention and treatment due to the potentially life-threatening nature of the condition. DKA is characterized by high blood glucose levels, ketone production, and metabolic acidosis, often requiring hospitalization for effective management. Immediate intervention typically includes fluid replacement, insulin therapy, and electrolyte management, particularly potassium, as DKA can lead to significant imbalances. Delaying treatment while waiting for lab results could worsen the patient's condition, as DKA can progress rapidly, leading to serious complications. Providing oral glucose tablets is not appropriate as patients with DKA usually present with high blood glucose levels and would not benefit from glucose supplementation. Encouraging the patient to drink water is also insufficient as it does not address the underlying metabolic disturbances that require more intensive and immediate intervention. Thus, the recommended action is to ensure the patient receives prompt medical treatment to stabilize their condition.

Patients presenting with symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) require immediate medical attention and treatment due to the potentially life-threatening nature of the condition. DKA is characterized by high blood glucose levels, ketone production, and metabolic acidosis, often requiring hospitalization for effective management.

Immediate intervention typically includes fluid replacement, insulin therapy, and electrolyte management, particularly potassium, as DKA can lead to significant imbalances. Delaying treatment while waiting for lab results could worsen the patient's condition, as DKA can progress rapidly, leading to serious complications.

Providing oral glucose tablets is not appropriate as patients with DKA usually present with high blood glucose levels and would not benefit from glucose supplementation. Encouraging the patient to drink water is also insufficient as it does not address the underlying metabolic disturbances that require more intensive and immediate intervention. Thus, the recommended action is to ensure the patient receives prompt medical treatment to stabilize their condition.