Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) Practice Exam

Upon confirming DKA, what other measurement is important to monitor?

1. Bicarbonate levels

2. Blood pressure

3. Calcium levels

4. Sodium levels

The correct answer is: Bicarbonate levels

Monitoring bicarbonate levels is crucial upon confirming diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) because it provides important information about the severity of the acidosis and the patient's overall metabolic state. In DKA, the accumulation of ketones leads to metabolic acidosis, resulting in a decreased bicarbonate concentration. Tracking these levels helps healthcare providers assess the effectiveness of treatment, such as insulin therapy and fluid replacement, and guides the management of the patient's acid-base balance. While blood pressure, calcium levels, and sodium levels can also be important in the overall management of a patient with DKA, they do not provide the same direct insights into the specific metabolic derangements caused by DKA. Blood pressure may indicate fluid status or complications but is not a primary metric for assessing DKA itself. Calcium levels are not typically altered significantly in DKA and are not a key focus in its management. Sodium levels can fluctuate due to fluid shifts and hyperglycemia, but they do not reflect the underlying acidosis as directly as bicarbonate levels do. Therefore, monitoring bicarbonate is essential for understanding and treating DKA effectively.