Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) Myth Busters: ABG Or VBG? To Use Serum Or Urine Ketones For Diagnosis And Treatment As Our Guide? IV Bicarbonate Is It Really Useful? Insulin Infusion In Hypokalemic DKA Patient Bolus Followed By Drip? 1. When you are suspicious for DKA do you obtain a VBG or an ABG?
How good is a VBG for determining acid/base status? Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is defined by five findings: acidosis (pH < 7.30, serum bicarbonate (HCO3) < 18 mEq/L, the presence of ketonuria or ketonemia, an anion gap > 10 mEq/L, and a plasma glucose concentration > 250 mg/dl. It is one of the most serious complications of diabetes seen in the emergency department. The mortality rate of hospitalized DKA patients is estimated to be between 2-10% (Lebovitz, 1995). As a result, its prompt recognition is vital to improving outcomes in these patients. As a result, emergency physicians have long…
