NR 507 Week 5: Discussion Part One
NR 507 Week 5: Discussion Part One
Ms. Blake is an older adult with diabetes and has been too ill to get out of bed for 2 days. She has had a severe cough and has been unable to eat or drink during this time. She has a history of Type I diabetes. On admission her laboratory values show:
Sodium (Na+)156 mEq/LPotassium (K+)4.0 mEq/LChloride (Cl–)115 mEq/LArterial blood gases (ABGs)pH- 7.30; Pco2-40; Po2-70; HCO3-20 Normal values Sodium (Na+)136-146 mEq/LPotassium (K+)3.5-5.1 mEq/LChloride (Cl–)98-106 mEq/LArterial blood gases (ABGs)pH- 7.35-7.45 Pco2- 35-45 mmHg Po2-80-100 mmHg HCO3–22-28 mEq/L
What is the etiology of Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
Describe the pathophysiological process of Diabetic Ketoacidosis.
Identify the hallmark symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis.
Identify any abnormal lab results provided in the case and explain why these would be abnormal given the patient’s condition.
What teaching would you provide this patient to avoid Diabetic Ketoacidosis symptoms?
In addition to the textbook, utilize at least one peer-reviewed, evidence based resource to develop your post.
What is the etiology of Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a severe complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. “Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) develops when there is an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin and an increase in the levels of counterregulatory insulin hormones” (McCance, 2013). This disease commonly found in patients with type 1 diabetes. However, it can also occur in type 2 diabetes. The most common triggering aspect for DKA is other illness, such as infection, trauma, surgery, or myocardial infarction. Interruption of insulin administration also may result in DKA. (McCance, 2013).
The condition develops when your body can’t produce enough insulin. Insulin usually plays a crucial role in helping sugar (glucose) — a significant source of energy for your muscles and other tissues — enter your cells. Without enough insulin, your body begins to break down fat as fuel. This process produces a buildup of acids in the bloodstream called ketones, eventually leading to diabetic ketoacidosis if untreated. (Mayo clinic staff, 2018).
Describe the pathophysiological process of Diabetic Ketoacidosis.
Diabetic ketoacidosis characterized by a serum glucose level greater than 250 mg per dL, a pH less than 7.3, a serum bicarbonate level less than 18 mEq per L, an elevated serum ketone level, and dehydration. Insulin deficiency is the main precipitating factor. Diabetic ketoacidosis can occur in persons of all ages, with 14 percent of cases arising in persons older than 70 years, 23 percent in persons 51 to 70 years of age, 27 percent in persons 30 to 50 years of age, and 36 percent in persons younger than 30 years. The case fatality rate is 1 to 5 percent. About one-third of all cases are in persons without a history of diabetes mellitus. (Westerberg, 2013). According to, McCance, 2013. In a state of relative insulin deficiency, there is an increase in the concentrations of insulin counterregulatory hormones including catecholamines, cortisol, glucagon, and GH. “These counterregulatory hormones antagonize insulin by increasing glucose production and decreasing tissue use of glucose. Profound insulin deficiency results in decreased glucose uptake increased fat mobilization with the release of fatty acids and accelerated gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis. “(McCance, 2013).
Identify the hallmark symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis.
Hallmark symptoms include polyuria with polydipsia (98 percent), dehydration, weight loss (81 percent), fatigue (62 percent), dyspnea (57 percent), vomiting (46 percent), preceding febrile illness (40 percent), abdominal pain (32 percent), and polyphagia (23 percent). Other symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include Kussmaul respirations (hyperventilation to compensate for the acidosis), postural dizziness, central nervous system depression, ketonuria, anorexia, nausea.
Identify any abnormal lab results provided in the case and explain why these would be abnormal given the patient’s condition.
Sodium (Na+) 156 mEq/L elevated normal range 136-146 mEq/L. The American Diabetes Association criteria for the diagnosis of DKA are: (1) a serum glucose level >250 mg/dl, (2) a serum bicarbonate level <18 mg/dl, (3) a serum pH <7.30, (4) the presence of an anion gap, and (5) the presence of urine and serum ketones. Arterial blood gases (ABGs) Pco2-40; Po2-70; HCO3-20. Metabolic acidosis confirmed by arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis is one of the diagnostic criteria for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Given the direct relationship between end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2), arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2), and metabolic acidosis, measuring ETCO2 may serve as a surrogate for ABG in the assessment of possible DKA. (Soeimanpour et al., 2013). These labs are abnormal because the body is compensating for the high level of glucose in the renal system and the loss of glucose in the urine. Ms. Blake has not been eating and probably has been taken her insulin as she was before she got sick. When you have diabetes and don’t get enough insulin and get dehydrated, your body burns fat instead of carbs as fuel, and that makes Ketones. Lots of ketones in your blood turn it acidic. People who drink much alcohol for a long time and don’t eat also enough build up ketones. It can happen when you aren’t eating at all, too. This condition can all lead to or be a predictor of existing Ketoacidosis.
What teaching would you provide this patient to avoid Diabetic Ketoacidosis symptoms?
First, I would emphasize the importance of managing her insulin regimen, instruct her that DKA is a life-threatening condition. I would teach Ms. Blake to Monitor her blood sugar levels closely, especially if you have an infection, are stressed, or experience trauma. Check your blood sugar levels often. You may need to check at least three times each day. If your blood sugar level is too high, give yourself insulin as directed by your healthcare provider. Manage your sick days. When you are sick, you may not eat as much as you usually would. You may need to change the amount of insulin you give yourself. You may need to check your blood sugar level more frequently than typical. Strategize with your healthcare provider about how to manage your diabetes when you are sick.
References
Mayo clinic staff (2018). Diabetic ketoacidosis/ Symptoms & causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-ketoacidosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371551
McCance, K. L., Huether, S. E., Brashers, V. L., & Rote, N. S. (2013). Pathophysiology: The biologic basis for disease in adults and children (7th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby.
Soleimanpour,H., Taghizadieh, A., Niafar, M., Rahmani, F., Golzari, S.E.J., Estanjani, R.M. (2013). Predictive Value of Capnography for Suspected Diabetic Ketoacidosis in the Emergency Department. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3876300/
Westerberg, D.P. (2018). Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Evaluation and Treatment. Retrieved fromhttps://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0301/p337.html
