What is the recommended treatment for a person with DKA?

The recommended treatment for a person experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is to administer fluids, electrolytes, and insulin. DKA is characterized by a triad of hyperglycemia, ketosis, and acidosis, resulting from insulin deficiency and elevated counter-regulatory hormones.

Initiating treatment with intravenous fluids helps to rehydrate the patient, which is crucial since DKA often leads to significant dehydration due to osmotic diuresis. Along with fluids, monitoring and replacing electrolytes, particularly potassium, is essential, as DKA can result in electrolyte imbalances that can affect heart function and muscle contractions. Insulin therapy is also vital to reduce blood glucose levels and to reverse ketosis. Insulin helps to promote glucose uptake by the cells, correct acidosis, and halt the production of ketones.

In contrast, administering oral glucose tablets is inappropriate because the patient in DKA typically has high blood glucose levels and does not need additional glucose. Insulin alone does not provide the necessary fluid and electrolyte management that is critical during DKA treatment. Lastly, while rest and hydration are important, they are insufficient as standalone treatments for the complex metabolic derangements caused by DKA. Therefore, the comprehensive approach of fluids, electrolytes, and insulin is