You Had Me at Sugar: Understanding the Physiology and Management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Activity Summary

Required reading for all learners: Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes

Despite the fact that diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a frequently encountered endocrinological condition in the adult ICU, many nurses remain unfamiliar with its physiology and only somewhat familiar with rationale for treatment. This advanced session describes pathophysiology and management of DKA in the adult ICU. IV fluid and insulin therapy, electrolyte replacement, blood glucose control and avoiding complications highlight essential strategies to effectively manage this unique condition.

Objectives

Explain the pathophysiology of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and signs and symptoms observed in adult critically ill patients.
Describe management of DKA in the ICU, with emphasis on IV fluids, insulin, electrolytes and glucose control.
Identify complications that can occur in DKA and strategies for effectively decreasing the severity of adverse events.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Successful Completion

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation to be awarded contact hours AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for {contactHours} contact hours.

Disclosures

Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content will be identified by the Nurse Planner within the activity. Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content has been mitigated.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing education only and does not imply AACN, ANCC, or CBRN approval or endorsement of any commercial products discussed or displayed in conjunction with this educational activity. Activities with pharmacology hours are to assist the APRN in fulfilling the pharmacotherapeutic education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Activities meet the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your own state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting your certificate of completion.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.