Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Danny Brown is a 16 year old male who is admitted into the hospital as a patient. He has had type 1 diabetes since he was 4 years old and recently had a viral illness that led to very high blood sugars that were uncontrolled. He recently became sick and was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis which led to his admission into the hospital. He is anxious with all of the uncertainty.

Inpatient Hospital Room

1. Recognize the signs and symptoms of DKA in children
2. Conduct a focused pediatric assessment
3. Initiate and monitor fluid resuscitation and insulin therapy, per pediatric DKA protocol.
4. Use therapeutic communication techniques to support the child and family, explaining procedures and addressing concerns with empathy.

1. Accurately assess a pediatric patient with suspected or confirmed DKA and interpret clinical and lab findings.
2. Initiate IV access and begin ordered fluid and insulin replacement per protocol.
3. Safely administer medications and document dosing, timing, and patient response.
4. Educate and support the patient and family during the acute phase of care and answer questions about monitoring, insulin use, and potential complications.