What should be monitored every 2-4 hours in DKA management?

What should be monitored every 2-4 hours in DKA management?

• A. Electrolyte levels and blood glucose levels.
• B. Blood pressure and heart rate.
• C. Serum calcium and phosphate.
• D. Lactic acid and bilirubin.

Answer: (A)

In DKA management, the essential thing to monitor regularly is electrolyte levels along with blood glucose. Insulin therapy and fluid replacement shift potassium, bicarbonate, and other electrolytes rapidly, so checking electrolytes helps guide replacement and ensure safe correction. Simultaneously tracking blood glucose keeps insulin dosing appropriate and prevents hypoglycemia as you treat the hyperglycemia. While vital signs and other labs like calcium, phosphate, lactate, or bilirubin are important in broader clinical care, they do not drive the day-to-day treatment decisions in DKA as directly as electrolytes and glucose do.

In DKA management, the essential thing to monitor regularly is electrolyte levels along with blood glucose. Insulin therapy and fluid replacement shift potassium, bicarbonate, and other electrolytes rapidly, so checking electrolytes helps guide replacement and ensure safe correction. Simultaneously tracking blood glucose keeps insulin dosing appropriate and prevents hypoglycemia as you treat the hyperglycemia. While vital signs and other labs like calcium, phosphate, lactate, or bilirubin are important in broader clinical care, they do not drive the day-to-day treatment decisions in DKA as directly as electrolytes and glucose do.