Textbook picture on Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is serious condition characterized by high blood glucose, dehydration, nausea and vomiting, and the presence of ketones. Ketones are made when your body burns fat instead of glucose for energy. This occurs when there is not enough insulin. It usually occurs in patients with Type 1 diabetes, but can develop in patients with Type 2 diabetes as well. DKA may be the initial manifestation of previously unrecognized Type 1 diabetes. Most commonly …

…be replaced, and the cause of the condition (such as infection) will be identified and treated. NURSING DIAGNOSIS *Altered nutrition *Altered urinary elimination *Fluid volume deficit NURSING INTERVENTIONS Keep accurate records of vital signs, weight, fluid intake, urine output, and calorie intake. Monitor of acute compication of diabetic therapy, especially hypoglycemia. Observe for signs of urinary tract and vaginal infections. Monitor the patient for signs of diabetic neuropathy. Refernces Springhouse (2001). Diseases. Springhouse, Pennsylvania: Springhouse Corporation.