Notes · Endocrine · 7 min read

DKA management at a glance

Fluids, potassium, insulin, and when to switch.

Key points

Start with isotonic saline to restore circulating volume.
Check potassium before insulin: start insulin only if K⁺ is at least 3.3 mEq/L.
Run a fixed-rate IV insulin infusion (0.1 unit/kg/h is a common start).
Add dextrose once glucose falls to about 250 mg/dL (14 mmol/L) and keep insulin running.
Switch to subcutaneous insulin once the anion gap has closed, overlapping by 1–2 hours.

Read TSH and free T4 together and the pattern names the problem.

Map each coronary artery to the myocardium and ECG leads it supplies.

A repeatable ABCDE read so you never miss the second finding.